Journalists call on Election Commission to take ‘strong stand’ before polls

Journalists have urged the Election Commission to take a firm stance in ensuring a free, fair and inclusive parliamentary polls, stressing equal opportunity for all candidates and effective action against misinformation on social media and cyber platforms.

They also called for effective steps to guarantee voter and stakeholder safety before the election, ensure a politically neutral administration, and prevent the misuse of power and money.

To strengthen accountability, they pressed the EC to publish candidates’ affidavit information as soon as possible.

Print and online media journalists presented the recommendations during a dialogue with the commmission at its Agargaon office in Dhaka on Monday afternoon.

At the beginning of the meeting, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin said the national election would “determine the nation’s future”.

“As a nation, we cannot afford for it to go wrong,” he added. “Therefore, we all must work together. It is a national election, and we intend to conduct it at the national level. The commission alone cannot handle it.”

“You are the ones who shape public opinion. We want to utilise that influence. We wish to move forward together to make this election free and fair,” the CEC added.

General election is expected to be held in the first half of February, with the schedule likely to be announced in early December.

Before that, the commission has taken up a series of dialogues with professional and stakeholder groups.

The EC began its dialogue series on Sept 28 with representatives from civil society and academics.

Following the Puja holidays, the session resumed with journalists, while another meeting is scheduled for Tuesday with women leaders and election experts.

The commission also plans to meet with registered political parties later this month.