Freeze on development projects or fund allocation until municipal polls

The Election Commission (EC) has told the local government ministry not to approve any development projects, grants and allocations or release funds for any municipalities until the Dec 30 municipal polls.

Senior Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 2 Dec 2015, 06:43 AM
Updated : 2 Dec 2015, 08:52 AM

It has also ordered a freeze on the issuance of Vulnerable Group Development (VGD) and Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) cards in the 235 municipalities, where elections are due.

The commission sent letters to the four ministries — local government, food, relief and disaster management, women and children affairs— in this regard, EC Assistant Secretary Rajib Ahsan said.

“Approval of development projects, releasing funds or issuing different [special privilege] cards might influence the voters,” said an EC official.

The electoral code of conduct prohibits approval, announcement and laying of a foundation stone for any project at the government, semi-government or autonomous bodies under the revenue or development funds during the elections.

The ‘VIPs’ enjoying government facilities, such as MPs,  are not allowed to allocate aid and grants or release money to any individual, community or institution from these funds, according to the code.

In addition, the code does not allow mayors, councillors or anyone holding a post at the municipality administration to endorse new projects or release funds for any old projects until voting is over.

No transfer without EC nod

The EC will write to the Cabinet Division not to transfer any official tasked with election duties until 15 days after the polls, said EC Assistant Secretary Rajib Ahsan.

Returning officers, assistant returning officers, presiding officers, assistant presiding officers, polling officers and executive and judicial magistrates perform polls duties.

According to the Election Officers (Special Provisions) Act 1991, officials tasked with election duties remain under the jurisdiction of the EC until they are released by it.

Article 126 of the Constitution makes it mandatory for the executive branch of the state to provide all support required by the EC for holding an election