All candidates are equal: CEC

Published : 14 Nov 2018, 15:36

Sahos Desk

Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda has instructed election officers to view all candidates as equal, irrespective of their position or affiliation.

He was giving the instructions while engaging with Assistant Returning Officers (ARO) of Dhaka and Mymensingh divisions at a workshop this morning.

“It is your duty to ensure level-playing field in the grass roots,” he said. “Carry out your duties with professionalism. Ensure full compliance of electoral code.”

He also asked the officers to ensure equal opportunity to each candidate, within the bounds of the law, and prevent anyone from getting undue advantage.

WHEN IS THE ELECTION?

Election Commission has revised polls schedule, deferring the 11th general election by a week to December 30 – a decision taken earlier this week.

The authorities have fixed November 28 as the deadline for filing nomination papers, December 2 for scrutiny and December 9 last date of withdrawal.

The move came following demands from several opposition political parties. However, most parties have demanded a deferral of one month.

IS EVERYONE PARTICIPATING?

Chief Election Commissioner has said that there is a congenial atmosphere in the country – echoing the words of the ruling party.

However, major opposition alliances like the Jatiya Oikyafront, which includes BNP, and the Bikalpa Dhara-led Juktafront have sought for delaying the schedule.

Until thus far, it seems that the coming parliamentary election will not be the “non-participatory election” that was its predecessor.

All the major political parties are gearing up to contest in the election and there have been no threats of a boycott or withdrawal, unlike the last time.

Source: thedailystar

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