EC prefers to hold general elections before local polls

Election Commissioner Sanaullah says the focus is to hold the general elections

The Election Commission is focused on holding the general election ahead of local polls and is focused on working towards that, Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah has said.

The 14th Election Commission discussed the next general election and local elections in its second meeting on Sunday.

The Electoral Reform Commission chief Tofail Ahmed, recently remarked that most of the people wanted local elections to be held before the general election, sparking discussions in the process.

The Jatiya Nagorik Committee said on Saturday that the local government system 'fell apart' after the mass uprising, depriving the citizens of the services. They said, "the situation was still favourable for holding the local elections".

Earlier, Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus said the government was preparing for the local polls along with the general election.

Meanwhile, BNP leaders said they would not accept local elections before the general election.

Under the circumstances, the EC had a meeting led by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasiruddin. Four election commissioners and the EC secretary were present at the meeting.

Speaking after the meeting, Election Commissioner Sanaullah said: "Our overall focus is to hold the general elections, and the commission is working towards it. When we're prepared for the national election, it will cover all the other preparations. There should not be any such event that hampers the general election," he said.

“I'm sure the respective ministry, the government, and everyone will consider the issues before making a decision, and we will implement it. If the government decides to hold some elections beforehand, we have to follow that."