Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin has said that there is no scope for holding elections under a proportional representation (PR) system outside the constitution.
“The constitution does not mention proportional or PR-based elections. We cannot go beyond it. However, political parties are debating the matter. If the law is amended, elections could then be held under the PR system,” he told journalists.
He made the remarks on Saturday while addressing reporters after a views-exchange meeting with election officials of the Rajshahi region at the Local Administration Building, ahead of the upcoming national polls.
The CEC emphasised that the current government has not put any pressure on him regarding the elections. “If I face any pressure, I will resign; I won’t stay in this chair.”
“We do not wish to engage in political debates about whether elections will be held or not. We want to move forward in line with the Chief Adviser’s directives. Since receiving the Chief Adviser’s letter, we have intensified election preparations. Strong preparations are underway to ensure the polls are held before Ramadan in February.”
On law and order, Nasir Uddin said: The situation will improve as the election approaches. Those dreaming of capturing ballot boxes will be disappointed. Forget the history of occupying polling stations– we will take a strict stance. If any polling centre is occupied, the entire centre’s vote will be canceled. Those hoping to win through arms and muscle will face bad news.”
He added that the voter list has already been updated, election-related procurement is underway, and draft constituency boundaries have been published. Hearings on the delimitation will begin Sunday and continue through Thursday.
Regarding the role of the army in the polls, the CEC clarified, “We are working to include the army within the definition of law enforcement agencies rather than deploying them as a striking force. Measures have been taken to ensure that the army is included as part of law-and-order forces.”
He also assured that officials who were involved in irregularities in past elections will not be retained. “Deputy Commissioners or Superintendents of Police previously linked with such activities will not be considered for postings,” the CEC affirmed.
