Election Commissioner Abdur Rahman Masud on Wednesday said the overall election environment remained satisfactory and comparatively good.
He made the remarks while responding to reporters’ questions at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon, a week ahead of the 13th parliamentary election and referendum scheduled for February 12.
Asked about the overall state of the election, Masud said that the commission believed the situation was relatively positive and urged political parties, their leaders, activists and all stakeholders to cooperate with the EC in maintaining a free, fair and peaceful electoral atmosphere.
Earlier in the day, a coordination meeting on election-related activities was held at the election commission secretariat with officials from the EC and the Election Training Institute.
Masud said the meeting focused on reviewing the latest state of preparedness for the upcoming polls.
Responding to concerns about alleged violations of the electoral code of conduct and reports of a worsening law and order situation, the commissioner said robust monitoring and enforcement mechanisms were already in place across the country.
He said 300 electoral inquiry and adjudication committees, each coordinated by a judge, are currently operating nationwide.
In addition, executive magistrates are conducting mobile courts to deal with breaches of election laws and the code of conduct.
‘If anyone violates the code of conduct and a complaint is made, we request that it be submitted to the electoral inquiry and adjudication committees,’ Masud said.
He explained that the committees act on information, formal complaints or reports, investigate the allegations, and submit findings and recommendations to the Election Commission.
Based on those recommendations, appropriate action is taken.
Masud said that mobile courts have already taken action in numerous cases, with executive magistrates imposing penalties and fines on individuals found guilty of violating the code of conduct.
On whether action can be taken if election officials themselves are involved in misconduct, the commissioner said complaints can also be lodged against officials engaged in election duties if they breach the law, violate the code of conduct or display bias.
In serious cases, he said, the commission may take cognisance of the matter directly and form a committee to investigate and take appropriate measures.
Asked about allegations of a candidate’s misbehaving with law enforcement agencies and attempting to enter restricted areas, Masud said such issues must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
‘These are matters of investigation. The nature and context of the incident are important, and there cannot be a uniform judgement in every case,’ he said.
Masud said that anyone who feels aggrieved by such incidents may submit a complaint to the relevant inquiry and adjudication committee.
If a violation is established on the basis of evidence, the committee will recommend action to the commission, which will then proceed accordingly, the election commissioner said.
