Election Commission won’t play any role in building 'consensus' among political parties

The Election Commission says it will have no role in initiatives to build a 'consensus' among political parties to take part in the next national election.

Senior Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 17 August 2017, 11:28 AM
Updated : 17 August 2017, 12:24 PM

Chief Election Commissioner Nurul Huda's remarks came during discussions with journalists from television stations, radios and online media on Thursday, in line with its roadmap to the polls. 
 
Addressing the discussion, Huda said the dialogue with political parties, set to start on Aug 24, will not discuss the issue. "It's only a dialogue. We will hear what they have to say and vice versa.”
 
The EC will not take part in any effort for mediation, he said.
 

Replying to a query from the participants, the CEC said the decision to deploy troops during the polls is solely their discretion. "It won't happen on the basis of whether anyone wants it or not."

The BNP, which had opted out of the polls in 2014, has been calling for deploying the army to ensure free and fair voting. It also demands elections under a 'non-party' government.

The ruling Awami League, however, maintains that the elections will be held under the Hasina-led administration, in line with the constitution. Its leaders say there's no need for troops.

Asked to comment on any 'pressure' on the commission, CEC Huda said: "If we give in to someone, it will be perceived as our weakness. So, we won't do that. The EC is a completely independent body and we don't need to go to anyone."

The former bureaucrat said the EC’s resolve not to compromise in the face of pressure was the key.

"It's enough. I assure you we will not go to anyone. I make this statement with you as witnesses," he told the participants.

On some participants' recommendation for the EC to act as a 'mediator', Huda said they are not inclined to play that role.
 
Pointing out that the UN initiative to mediate between Awami League and BNP before the 2014 polls had failed, the CEC said. "Why should I take the risk, to waste time? To be very clear, that's not my job."