Awami League should ensure BNP’s participation in polls, says Nurul Huda

Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda on Saturday said the next general election will not be acceptable without the participation of the BNP, one of the major parties in the country.

Speaking at a shadow parliament debate competition programme, he also said it is the responsibility of the ruling Awami League to ensure BNP’s participation in the polls, reports UNB.

“I think the next election will not be acceptable if BNP does not participate in it as BNP is a very big political party,” he said.

Huda, however, urged BNP to take part in the election as he thinks no problem can be solved by boycotting the election. “You should sit in talks and discuss how you will go to the polls.”

The debate for Democracy arranged the programme at Film Development Corporation (FDC), Bangladesh.

Stating that the work of the Election Commission is challenging not only in Bangladesh but also in the entire world, the former CEC said fair elections are not possible without political consensus.

“The Election Commission has no role in creating political negotiations. The Election Commission also should not interfere in it. The government and the political parties should reach an agreement on the issue through discussions," he said.

Huda thinks the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) should be used in the elections for checking various irregularities like snatching ballot boxes.

“We have seen how people snatched ballot boxes and cast fake votes. This culture has been stopped by using EVMs… considering the political practises in Bangladesh, I think EVM should be used for at least the next 20 years,” he observed.

The ex-CEC also said if people participate in the election in unison braving intimidation and obstacles, no force can suppress them.

Replying to a question, he said, “It is challenging for the Election Commission to conduct polls under a partisan government, but it is possible to overcome this challenge if voters can come to the polling stations freely.”

Huda also bemoaned that it was uncomfortable for him as hundred per cent votes were cast at some polling stations and some MPs were elected unopposed during his tenure as the Chief Election Commissioner. “Because we can't take any action after the presiding officer announces the results. Only then the court can resolve the issue.”

He suggested the use of CCTV cameras in the polling stations to ensure transparency.