Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has said that, until the constitution is amended, elections will be conducted following the same method as before, adding, “The schedule will be announced two months before the election. At that time, all details, including the election date and nomination process, will be disclosed.”
He made these remarks to journalists on Saturday morning in Khulna before a meeting with regional election officers ahead of the 12th National Parliamentary Election.
The CEC also said that restoring voters’ confidence would be a major challenge in the upcoming national polls.
Highlighting multiple challenges in holding a fair election, the CEC said, “It is crucial to restore public trust in the Election Commission and the electoral system. A major challenge now is motivating voters to come to polling centres, as many have lost interest due to difficulties in casting votes before.”
He added, “We want everyone to exercise their voting rights and come to polling centres voluntarily. We are placing special emphasis on ensuring active participation from women voters.”
Noting the spread of misinformation on social media regarding the elections, the CEC said, “Before the election, anti-terrorism operations and illegal arms recovery drives will continue. Reforms are also being implemented as much as possible. However, the misuse of technology has emerged as a new challenge.”
He further said, “AI-generated deepfake videos of individuals’ speeches are being circulated on social media without verification. Still, local and international expert teams are working to identify accurate information.”
He believes that the spread of false information through technology poses a major threat to fair elections and urged media professionals to cooperate in stopping such disinformation.
The CEC stated, “We are committed to ensuring transparency in the electoral process by conducting activities during the day. If the election is not credible, the country’s future will be in jeopardy. As such, the nation must be given a fair election.”
The meeting was also attended by Khulna division’s additional regional election officer, senior election officers from various districts, and upazila election officers.