CEC: Do not have capacity or mandate to resolve political crises
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13 registered political parties participated
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal has said expectations are always optimistic regarding the political crises. However, the Election Commission lacks the capacity and mandate to resolve those crises.
On Saturday afternoon, the Election Commission (EC) engaged in discussions with political parties at the Nirbachan Bhaban at Agargaon, Dhaka.
A total of 26 political parties took part in the two-phase meeting. Some parties, including BNP, did not participate in the meeting.
The CEC said: "We have met with political parties ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections to inform them and receive their feedback on our preparations. In today's discussions with 26 parties, most had a positive outlook, although some questioned the electoral environment. We recognize that the election atmosphere is not entirely ideal, and a few parties are yet to join. The perception of a favourable environment can vary."
"We invited parties on short notice. If any party did not participate due to the time, we will try to listen to them as per the commission's decision, if they want. We want to exchange views with all," he added.
Thirteen registered political parties participated in the exchange meeting. Opposition parties including BNP boycotted this meeting. Leaders of political parties came to the Agargaon Nirbachan Bhaban around 10am on Saturday.
According to the constitution, parliamentary elections must be held within 90 days before the end of the five-year term of parliament. The term of the current parliament ends on January 29, 2024, while the 90-day count starts from November 1, 2023.
The Election Commission said that it is preparing to announce the schedule of the national election in mid-November and hold the election in January.
Earlier in July 2022, the EC held a dialogue with the political parties to prepare the action plan for the 12th national election while few political parties including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) did not attend the dialogue.