Election roadmap may include new elements "depending on circumstances", says EC secretary

He says the commission has no jurisdiction over demands such as referendums or Constituent Assembly polls

Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said the roadmap for the parliamentary polls could include “new elements depending on circumstances”.

Describing every aspect ahead of the vote as a “challenge”, he insisted the current commission had the resolve to deal with them.

Law and order is a government responsibility, but the EC would seek cooperation from the relevant ministry if required, he said on Thursday.

He said political parties’ proposals on reforms could be incorporated into the action plan.

Akhtar unveiled the roadmap at the commission office, a day after Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin and his colleagues approved it.

Among nearly two dozen tasks, a dialogue with political parties and stakeholders is planned for late September.

The election is due in the first half of February, with the schedule to be announced about two months in advance.

'EVERY ASPECT IS A CHALLENGE'

Akhtar said, “It is not as if everything will automatically fall into place once we present an action plan. This is an ongoing process, with further additions. New circumstances bring new tasks, which we will treat as complementary work.”

Asked whether the roadmap faced challenges, he replied: “Every single thing is a challenge. Can I know that no accident will ever happen in my life? So, every matter carries challenges. What is needed is preparedness to meet them. That is resilience, and that is what we want.”

On the use of CCTV or “body cameras” at polling stations, the secretary said it fell under the Home Ministry’s jurisdiction.

“This is not something for us to decide. It was discussed at the home ministry. If our involvement is required, to whatever extent, that can be discussed.”

When asked if political parties would be satisfied with the roadmap, Akhtar said: “This is our action plan. When discussions are held with political parties and stakeholders, if they have opinions, they will inform us. Those can be incorporated.”

He said the EC was already taking important reform decisions before scheduled dialogues with political parties in late September. Asked if holding consultations later meant ignoring party views, he disagreed.

“If adjustments are required after dialogue with stakeholders, we have said those will be added to the action plan. It will depend on the extent needed.”

He highlighted preventing the misuse of artificial intelligence, propaganda, misinformation and disinformation as another challenge, saying the media had a major role and broad cooperation would be needed.

On election security and logistics, he said the armed forces would assist.

“Eight to 10 days before the vote, helicopters from the Air Force will be engaged to transport transparent ballot papers and other materials.”

The secretary also stressed that the EC had no authority over demands such as holding referendums or Constituent Assembly elections.