Jamaat says those resisting PR system aim to delay February election

The party insists it has already started election preparations despite claims to the contrary

The Jamaat-e-Islami has accused those opposing the proportional representation (PR) system of trying to delay the February election.

Mohammad Shahjahan, the party’s assistant secretary general, said this during a rally organised by Jamaat’s Chattogram Metropolitan branch at Anderkilla Shahi Jame Mosque on Friday.

He said the nation is eager for a festive election and rejected claims that Jamaat wants to postpone the vote. “Jamaat has already announced candidates for 300 seats and started election activities. In contrast, no such efforts are visible from others.”

Shahjahan added that those blocking the legal framework of the July Charter and opposing the PR system are aware of their own weakness and want to “delay” the election.

The Jamaat and several other parties have launched a movement demanding constitutional amendments before the polls, implementation of the Charter and elections under the PR system.

The BNP insists constitutional changes must come from an elected parliament and accuses those backing the PR system of attempting to defer the elections.