Reform commission has eased workload ahead of polls: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin today said the Election Commission's work has become much easier following the series of dialogues held by the National Consensus Commission with political parties.

"The politicians have long been engaged with the Consensus Commission. They've been holding discussions -- particularly on electoral matters and the formulation of election laws. Our reform commission has already completed much of that work -- that's why we're feeling a bit relieved," he said.

The CEC made the remarks while delivering his opening speech at a dialogue with journalists at the EC headquarters in Dhaka this morning.

"Our Election Reform Commission has significantly lightened our workload," he said. "They have already held discussions with various stakeholders -- including the media and civil society -- and conducted consultations across almost 600 locations nationwide."

Speaking about talks with political parties, the CEC said, "The politicians are currently engaged with the consensus commission. If we invite them now, perhaps someone from each party would come, but we're not sure whether we'd get the key figures. That's why we're planning to hold our discussions with political parties a bit later."

He added that since the reform commission had already held extensive discussions with different quarters, the EC's dialogues were taking place a little later.

"We've been repeatedly emphasising the need for a fair and beautiful election," the CEC said. "Today's dialogue is not just a formality. We want to move forward based on your feedback. Your cooperation is essential to ensure equal opportunities for all. We want to work with the media as a partner. The media's role is crucial in addressing misinformation and disinformation."

The CEC further said, "Since assuming office, we've completed many important tasks. We've updated the voter list and identified over 2.1 million deceased voters -- many of whom, as reported in the media, were still casting votes. We've also enlisted more than 4.3 million new eligible voters."

Nasir Uddin added, "The gap between male and female voters used to be three million; it has now come down to 1.8 million. We've managed to create new enthusiasm among women who had previously lost interest in registering as voters."

He said, "After consulting experts, we're arranging IT-supported postal ballots for expatriates. Around one million people -- including law enforcement members, government employees, and detainees -- are involved in election duties, and we're working to bring them under the voting process. The provision already existed in law, but now we're taking steps to implement it. Without your cooperation, a fair and beautiful election won't be possible -- this isn't just rhetoric."

"We want to move forward through a transparent process," he added. "We want to hold the election in an entirely transparent manner -- as clear as a mirror."

The dialogue was conducted by EC acting secretary KM Ali Newaz and attended by the four election commissioners, EC officials, and representatives from the media.