CEC Kazi Habibul Awal recently conveyed his concerns regarding the apprehension of potential polling agents after they provide their information to the Election Commission
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal has called upon government officials to actively address the perception that the public lacks confidence in both the Election Commission and the government when it comes to conducting free and fair elections.
In a significant statement directed towards the government, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal recently conveyed his concerns regarding the apprehension of potential polling agents after they provide their information to the Election Commission. Addressing participants at a workshop titled ‘The Role of Candidates and Polling Agents in Ensuring Unrestricted Voting Rights,’ which took place at the Agargaon Election Building in the capital. CEC Awal underscored the importance of transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
He stated, “We must rise to the challenge of conducting a free and equitable election, and we are eager to subject it to scrutiny by the media and observers.”
The message from the CEC underscores the election commission’s consistent commitment to remaining neutral and impartial, even under the current government.
CEC’s Message to the Government
In his message to the government, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal conveyed several important points:
Arrests of Polling Agents: CEC Awal expressed concern about the potential arrests of polling agents after providing the list of possible agents to the Election Commission. He suggested that if such arrests are necessary, they should be carried out well in advance or after the election to avoid any negative perception regarding the fairness of the elections.
Importance of Polling Agents: He emphasized the critical role of polling agents in ensuring the integrity of elections, stating that without polling agents, an election cannot be considered valid. He also noted that strong candidates sometimes drive out weaker polling agents, which can affect the election process.
Competitive Elections: CEC Awal mentioned that competitive elections with strong contesting parties reduce the Election Commission’s responsibility. He preferred inclusive elections where all parties are encouraged to participate, and he invited them to engage with the Commission.
Legitimacy vs. Validity: He distinguished between the legality and validity of elections, highlighting that even if only one percent of the population votes, an election can be legally correct. However, questions may arise about the validity of such an election. The CEC stressed that the focus should be on ensuring that the voting process is free, fair, and peaceful, regardless of the voter turnout.
Responsibility of the Election Commission: CEC Awal emphasized that the Election Commission’s primary responsibility is to facilitate a fair and unhindered voting process, regardless of the level of voter turnout.
Overall, CEC Kazi Habibul Awal’s message to the government underscores the importance of conducting elections in a transparent and inclusive manner, with a focus on protecting the rights of polling agents and ensuring a fair electoral process. He also seeks to avoid any actions that could raise doubts about the integrity of the elections.
Vital Role of Polling Agents
CEC Awal emphasized that without polling agents, an election cannot be considered valid. He highlighted the importance of strong candidates supporting their polling agents to ensure a fair and just electoral process.
CEC Awal expressed concern about the safety of polling agents, emphasizing the importance of not letting them down, as they could face arrest or even violence from powerful authorities for various reasons. He mentioned that the identities of polling agents are typically kept secret until the morning of the polling day to ensure their safety.
CEC’s role neutral
Kazi Habibul Awal, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), bears the responsibility of overseeing and safeguarding the fairness and integrity of our country’s elections. The CEC and the Election Commission as a whole stress the importance of conducting elections in an impartial manner, regardless of any political affiliations, as they maintain an equitable stance toward all political parties, including both the government and the opposition.
The core mission of the CEC is to uphold the fundamental principles of democracy by ensuring that elections are characterized by transparency, freedom, and impartiality. Their primary focus is to facilitate the democratic process, uphold the rule of law, and safeguard the rights of all citizens to participate in elections.
As a result, the CEC works diligently with impartiality and independence to maintain the public’s trust in the electoral process and to uphold the democratic principles that form the foundation of our nation.
