The chief election commissioner, Kazi Rakiubbin Ahmad, said on Sunday the Election Commission would wait as long as possible for a political consensus before announcing the election schedule for the 10th parliamentary polls.
He also hoped a consensus would finally be struck by the rival political camps for the sake of holding a free, fair and participatory election.
The CEC, however, hinted that the EC may announce the election schedule by this month.
Asked whether the EC has fixed any possible time for announcing the election schedule, the CEC replied in the negative, saying, ‘We would announce the election schedule on time.’
He, however, hinted that the EC may announce the election schedule within this month.
When a reporter said that the EC will have to announce the election schedule by this month if the 10th parliamentary polls are held by January 24, the CEC replied, ‘You have said correctly.’
Asked whether the EC would be able to hold a participatory election, the CEC said the nation was anxiously waiting for a political consensus for holding free, fair, participatory and peaceful polls. ‘And we are also doing so,’ he added.
‘And to the end, we will wait as long as possible before announcing the schedule,’ he said.
The CEC hoped a consensus would come through and a peaceful and participatory polls would finally be held.
Asked whether the EC would take any initiatives for striking a political consensus among the parties, he said, ‘Look, initiatives have been taken at higher level. Discussion is going on among top political leaders.’
‘So, we hope a consensus will come through,’ he added.
Rakibuddin said the draft electoral code of conduct would be uploaded on the EC’s official website today and people from all walks of life would be able to put forth their opinions on the draft until November 9.
‘We are seeking opinions from all. We will finalise the electoral code of conduct only after scrutinising the opinions,’ the CEC said.
Asked when the EC is going to cancel the registration of Jamaat-e-Islami as the High Court on Saturday released its verdict that declared Jamaat’s registration illegal, Rakibuddin Ahmad, said the EC would take a decision on the matter when it gets the copy of the verdict.
‘We will make no comment on the matter unless we get the copy of the verdict. We will let you know after getting the copy of the verdict,’ said the CEC while talking to reporters after a meeting at the EC secretariat in the city.
On Saturday, the High Court released the full verdict on Jamaat’s registration pronounced on August 1 in which it declared illegal the EC’s decision to give Jamaat-e-Islami registration.
The CEC said the EC was yet to get the copy of the verdict.
The EC gave Jamaat the registration along with other political parties before the 2008 general election.
The Representation of the People Order 1972 stipulates a candidate will have to be a member of a registered political party to contest in the parliamentary polls with a party symbol. (source)