The predisposition for Bangladesh National Election is heating up. EC is spending a busy time as ‘Nirbachon Bhobon’ is sizzling with constant foreign delegation visits. On the morning of 30th July, a delegation troop of four members had a meeting EC at 10 AM following the invitation of the Election Monitoring Forum.
Assistant Director of the Election Commission’s Public Relations Branch, Md. Ashadul Haque, stated, “At 10 a.m., the Election Commission held a meeting with election observers from the United States, Ireland, Japan, and China. The meeting took place on the third floor of the Election Commission Building. Besides the Election Commissioners, Commissioner Ahasan Habib Khan, Md. Alamgir, Rashida Sultana, Anisur Rahman, and EC Secretary Md. Jahangir Alam was also present at the meeting.”
Delegates from Four Countries meet EC
Terry Easley, the founder chairman of the Tenet Finance International Group from the United States, Nikobar Paul, a senior political correspondent from the European Union, Yusuki Sugu, a political analyst and social worker from Japan, and N.D. Lin, a political analyst and social worker from China was among the participants. Whereas, the Election Monitoring Forum’s leadership included Professor Mohammad Abed Ali, Chairman, Dr. Mahfuzul Islam, Director, Dr. Abul Kalam Azad, and Vice-Chairman of the South Asian Human Rights Foundation, Mizanur Rahman Majumdar.
During the meeting, Professor Mohammad Abed Ali, Chairman of the Election Monitoring Forum, expressed that, “what is enshrined in the constitution can lead to peaceful elections, as recommended by the international observer team.”
Meeting’s Agenda
Election Commission Secretary MD Jahangir Alam informed the journalists that the meeting was a friendly discussion. They discussed whether foreign observers would come to monitor the 12th National Parliament Election. If they decide to come, they would be welcome, but they must come through the Foreign Ministry and the Home Ministry. After the trip, they will publish a report on the pre-election situation and environmental assessment for the upcoming 12th National Parliament Election.
Md. Jahangir Alam also mentioned that the main discussions were about the actions taken by the Election Commission, the arrangements made in response to attacks on candidates, and other related matters. He stated that “Any country can send observers, but they need prior approval from both the Home and Foreign Ministries.”
Chairman of the Election Monitoring Forum, Abed Ali, said that” the foreign observers want to know about the preparations for the upcoming election and recent elections. They are interested in whether foreign representatives, including those from the United States and the European Union, will be present at the upcoming election. The Election Commission assured them that the observers can come before and after the elections without any obstacles.”
Abed Ali also mentioned that the current government is not supporting any unconstitutional actions. They believe that if the provisions of the constitution are followed, a fair election can take place. The political parties and the government need to ensure their support for the Election Commission to make a fair election possible. The Election Commission clarified its position on this matter.
Delegates’ View
The American representative Terry Easley stated, “While the method is good, they do not support the constitutional government. Although the approach is appreciated, they believe that the law needs to be changed, which might not be feasible.”
“As members of the International Observation Mission we believe that Bangladesh can conduct free and fair elections under the current government”, Terry added.
However, Terry expressed hope that the Election Commission could conduct free and fair elections even under the current method, but he emphasized that the United States is closely observing the overall environment.
Senior journalist Nickobar Paul from Ireland said that they are hopeful that the Election Commission can organize a transparent and fair election in accordance with the constitution.
Delegates are about to meet more Legislators
After the exchange of views with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other commissioners at the Election Commission office in Bangladesh, the members of the election observation team of the foreign delegation are expected to meet the Law Minister, Home Minister, Foreign Minister, and Information Minister.
They will hold discussions with the central leaders of various political parties in Bangladesh, including Bangladesh Awami League, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jatiya Party (JaPa), Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Bangladesh Islamic Front, Jaker Party, Islamic Front Bangladesh, Krishok Sramik Janata League, JASOD, and Islamic Oikya Jot as invited by the Election Monitoring Forum.
1st round of Delegation Visit
This is the 2nd round of foreign delegation visits. Before this, on 24th February, the first team of international observers from four countries, including Germany, Nepal, India, and Bhutan, visited Bangladesh at the invitation of the Election Monitoring Forum.
The team members held exchanges of views with representatives from various political parties in the country, including leaders of the Election Commission and members of the civil society on the subject of the twelfth National Parliament Election. And on 11th July, the Election Commission (EC) held a meeting with the European Union’s Election Exploration Mission. The meeting was chaired by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal at the EC’s conference room.
Election in December: CEC
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal stated that, “According to the constitution, to hold the upcoming elections fairly the current parliament will remain in effect, it must be done within 90 days before January 29, 2024. In other words, the counting of moments for the Twelfth National Parliament Election will begin from November 1 of this year.”
“There is no specific mention in the constitution when the exact should be the date for the announcement should be given. It could be 50, 60, or 70 days prior to the elections, or even at the end of this October”, CEC added.
According to the constitution, in case of the expiration of the term of the National Parliament, elections will be held within the preceding 90 days before the dissolution of the parliament. The first session of the current 11th National Parliament commenced on January 30, 2019. Therefore, according to the constitution, the obligation to hold the 12th National Parliament election falls within January 29, 2024. However, the law does not explicitly mention whether the announcement can be made before the 90-day period before the expiration of the parliament’s term.
Earlier, on 11th July, the Election Commission (EC) held a meeting with the European Union’s Election Observation Mission. The meeting was chaired by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal at the EC’s conference room. During that meeting, representatives from the Election Exploration Mission of the European Union, led by expert Richard Hillary, also participated.
Afterward, on the upcoming 15th of September, the third team of international election observers will visit Bangladesh to meet with Election Commission. The team will consist of representatives from countries in South Asia, including Maldives, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan.
