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Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has called on political parties to help encourage voters to return to polling stations and to ensure strict compliance with the electoral code of conduct ahead of the upcoming national election.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Election Commission (EC) headquarters in Dhaka’s Agargaon during the fourth day of a series of dialogues with political parties, Nasir sought cooperation from all sides, saying it was essential to restore public confidence in the electoral process.
“Our dialogue has two main objectives. The code of conduct has been issued. We aim to ensure its compliance and to seek your cooperation,” he said.
Representatives from seven parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, attended the morning session, alongside election commissioners and senior EC officials, reports bdnews24.com.
The CEC said the commission had been holding consultations with stakeholders in phases and that discussions with parties had been ongoing since the present commission took office.
“But this time, the talks are specifically about the election,” he said.
Nasir acknowledged concerns over delays in convening the dialogue but said earlier consultations with the reform commissions and the National Consensus Commission had strengthened the process.
He said all political parties, along with the Election Commission and the chief advisor of the interim government, had pledged to deliver a credible election.
“Our purpose and our goal are the same,” he said.
The CEC noted that many recommendations from the Electoral Reform Commission had been incorporated into the code of conduct after the draft was published online for public feedback.
“Preparing the code is not the hard part -- enforcing it is what matters,” he said, urging parties to ensure their candidates follow the rules.
Nasir also called for political support to increase voter participation, saying many people had become disillusioned over the past 15 years.
“Voters felt the results were predetermined. Political leaders directly influence grassroots supporters. Please encourage them to come to the polling centres.”
He said political parties had historically played a key role during periods under caretaker governments.
“We must work together -- parties, voters, the EC, and law enforcement -- to deliver a good election to the nation,” he said.
The EC held discussions with 13 parties on Wednesday as part of its ongoing series of dialogues with stakeholders.