National Citizen Party (NCP) has urged the Election Commission to announce the polls schedule only after navigating the emerging political crisis, especially at a time when BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia is critically ill.
After receiving the party’s registration certificate from the EC, NCP Convener Nahid Islam said they had requested the commission to take the existing political context into account before declaring the schedule.
A delegation led by Nahid Islam met the Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Wednesday and later collected the certificate from EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed.
Following the meeting at the Nirbachan Bhaban, the NCP convener said leaders at the central and grassroots levels had worked tirelessly since the beginning to help this party get through the registration process. He expressed gratitude to the EC and well-wishers of NCP.
Nahid said the NCP had secured the “Shapla Koli” [bud of Shapla] symbol after overcoming many hurdles, and the party would contest the election with this symbol.
‘EC must remain firm’
Praising EC’s decision to amend the Representation of the People Order (RPO) so that candidates must contest under their own party symbol even when in an alliance, Nahid said attempts were underway to nullify this reform.
He said a certain party had exerted pressure on the government and various institutions, a writ had been filed in court, and efforts are now underway to use the court to overturn the reform proposal.
Nahid pointed out that the NCP had urged the EC to remain firm in retaining the provision requiring candidates to contest under their own party symbol, even when part of an alliance.
On the issue of level playing field, the NCP convener said they are concerned about the recent transfers of deputy commissioners and superintendents of police, and urged the EC to monitor the matter closely, as they believed political influence was involved.
Nahid said the EC must ensure that neutral officials are appointed.
‘EC yet to provide definitive statement’
Referring to discussions with the CEC on election schedule, Nahid said the EC had not given any definitive statement.
The EC had told the media it might announce the schedule within the next couple of weeks. Nahid said they had requested the commission to declare the schedule after considering the political landscape, adding that it should be announced at a time when the nation is politically stable.
Commenting on the decision to divide the referendum order into four parts to satisfy different political parties, Nahid said it was unnecessary and should have been made clearer.
The NCP convener said they had suggested changes to the government, as the current format could create confusion among the public.
He said mock voting was taking seven to eight minutes, and if the referendum were held based on the existing order, extensive public awareness would be required.
Nahid said the government agencies and political parties should publicise the questions early so that voters can make informed decisions.
At the same event, NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary said, “We have discussed the election schedule with EC. Announcing it after political stability returned would make the process much easier.
“Khaleda Zia is ill, and the political arena is in crisis. Overcoming these challenges before announcing the schedule would help bring all parties on board and into the voting process.
When asked whether they are seeking a delay in the schedule, the chief coordinator said there is no reason for them to seek a delay. He said they wanted the schedule announced after resolving the crisis.
Nahid added that the schedule should be declared at a time when the political atmosphere is stable and all parties are able to begin their election journey. He said the EC should consider the political context at the time of the announcement.
The chief election commissioner has previously stated that the schedule for the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum will be announced in the second week of next month.
