The Election Commission (EC) is working to complete elections for all tiers of local government across the country within the next one year, placing the highest priority on meeting the timeline.
Preparations for the elections have already started, although the final groundwork is yet to be completed, Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarker said recently.
He said the EC is preparing a comprehensive roadmap before announcing the polls, taking into account amendments to laws and regulations, policy reforms, budget allocations, administrative readiness and seasonal realities.
“Our top priority right now is local government elections,” said EC Md Anwarul Islam Sarker.
“We are preparing to hold the elections in phases within one year.”
Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said at the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference on May 5 that efforts would be made to complete all local government elections within a year.
Earlier, during the first session of the 13th National Parliament, the minister said completing elections for all levels of local government usually takes between 10 months and one year based on past experience.
He said the polls are generally held in phases nationwide and involve Union Parishads, municipalities, Upazila Parishads and city corporations.
Asked when the election process might begin and which tier would go first, the Election Commissioner said the EC is not yet in a position to announce a specific timeline.
According to him, the commission is preparing an integrated work plan and details regarding schedules, phases and probable dates will be disclosed after the roadmap is finalised.
He also said it has not yet been decided whether city corporation elections would be held first.
“The Commission will decide after considering all relevant aspects,” he said.
The Election Commissioner said the EC is reviewing existing laws, rules and policies related to local government polls as part of the preparations.
The commission believes some legal reforms are necessary to make the election system more effective and acceptable, he added.
“We will have to amend laws and regulations for the elections. Changes to rules and policies are also necessary. These will take time,” he said.
Regarding the timeframe for the reforms, he said the process may take around three to four months.
He said the national budget in June, the upcoming monsoon season and the preparedness of field administration are also key considerations in the EC’s planning process.
“We are now preparing an overall roadmap considering everything,” said Anwarul Islam.
“Once it is finalised, we will be able to say which election will be held when, on what date and in which phase.”
The Election Commissioner expressed hope that the local government elections would be credible, free and fair like the national election.
“There is no scope to go below the standard of the national election,” he said.
“We want good elections in the future as well and want to maintain public confidence.”
He also said the elections would be held in a free, fair and neutral manner without party symbols or political identity.
“I believe that even if there is a party-led government, the government will play a neutral role,” he added.
The EC is also giving utmost importance to preserving the positive image of Bangladesh’s election system internationally, he said.
“We cannot allow the reputation our country is earning globally to be damaged,” said Anwarul Islam.
“Political parties want good elections, the government also wants good elections, and the Election Commission will try every possible method to ensure quality elections.”
