The National Citizen Party on Monday accused the Election Commission of failing to take a clear legal stance about candidates with dual citizenship, claiming that the commission’s recent actions appeared influenced by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.
Speaking at a briefing after a meeting with chief adviser Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna, NCP convener Nahid Islam said that the EC had not ensured the type of electoral environment necessary for a free and fair vote.
He alleged that neither the commission nor the field administration was acting impartially.
Nahid said that his party raised concerns during meeting with the chief adviser, warning that they would challenge in court over EC’s decision regarding some candidates with dual citizenship.
‘For the past two days, we have observed that the Election Commission has not taken a clear legal position regarding candidates who have dual citizenship,’ he said.
‘Instead, the EC seems to be trying, through legal loopholes and misinterpretation of the constitution, to allow such candidates to contest elections.’
Such attempts on the EC’s part were influenced by the BNP, Nahid alleged.
‘Pressure from BNP leaders and their student organisations through coordinated campaigns and creating mob in front of the EC have influenced decisions even before formal decision was issued,’ he said.
While the interim government and chief adviser Yunus have repeatedly claimed they want to conduct the best election in history and are attempting to gain our trust, the necessary conditions for such an election are not evident on the ground, said the NCP convener.
‘The EC cannot interpret the constitution, only the Supreme Court can. The constitution clearly prohibits dual citizens from contesting elections, and the Supreme Court has clarified what constitutes renunciation of foreign citizenship.’
But the EC issued a new interpretation on Sunday, which it legally could not do, apparently to allow BNP-affiliated dual citizens to participate, he added.
Similarly, defaulters on loans should not be allowed to contest before settling their debts but an EC member indicated that despite personal reservations, defaulters are being allowed to run, Nahid further alleged.
Regarding show-cause notices issued to NCP leaders, he said ‘We raised concerns with the EC regarding impartiality, but instead of addressing them, the commission issued a show-cause notice against us.’
‘While BNP leader Tarique Rahman’s posters flooded parts of Dhaka, our lawful electoral campaign materials regarding referendum led to action against us,’ he said.
According to a press release issued by the chief adviser’s press wing, during the meeting, NCP leaders shared their observations and various concerns regarding the election.
