The time for the submission of nomination papers for the 10th
parliamentary election expires today amidst the nationwide blockade
called by the opposition.
The Election Commission is unlikely to extend the time for the
submission of nomination papers, chief election commissioner Kazi
Rakibuddin Ahmad hinted Sunday ignoring the demand from HM Ershad
faction of Jatiya Party, a ruling coalition partner.
On November 25, the EC announced that the 10th parliamentary election will be held on January 5.
The BNP-led opposition alliance demanded cancellation of the one sided election.
The opposition alliance has been demanding inclusive election under a
non-party administration with the participation of all the parties.
The opposition has taken to the streets to press the demanding cancellation of the election schedule.
‘The schedule for the 10th parliamentary polls remains unchanged,’ the
CEC told reporters when asked whether there was any possibility to defer
the schedule for the submission of nomination papers.
Rakib, however, said that the Election Commission might change the
election schedule if the major political parties reached a political
consensus on the issue.
When his attention was drawn to the ongoing blockade hampering
submission of nomination papers, the CEC said the submission of
nomination papers and other election process were going on across the
country.
Asked about Jatiya Party’s call to extend the time for the submission of
nomination papers, he said the Jatiya Part raised many demands, ‘And we
are scrutinizing their demands.’
The EC is taking all the necessary steps to ensure safety and security of voters as well as all others, he said.
Asked whether the EC would hold the election keeping the main opposition
BNP out of it, he said, ‘We waited for a consensus for too long so that
all the parties can take part in the election. (source)