CEC: Election Commission alone cannot hold fair polls

Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal has said the Election Commission alone cannot hold fair polls.

“The Election Commission's capacity is limited. We try to do as much as we can. If the state and the government are politically supportive, the administration and law enforcement agencies will be forced to perform their duties properly,” he said. 

Kazi Habibul Awal made the comment at a meeting with a delegation of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Sunday.

Regarding the election, Habibul Awal said: "TIB thinks the election was fair and beautiful, but a lack remains. The inclusive election from the democratic spirit did not happen.

Emphasizing political dialogue, the CEC said: "I do not see any discussion between the parties yet. The animosity between them is very evident. Personally, I think it will be very difficult to move forward if there is this obvious hostility. Civil society like TIB can also play a role in this regard.

A TIB delegation, led by its Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman, held a meeting with the chief election commissioner and other election commissioners on Sunday.

During the meeting, the delegation discussed the importance of disclosing affidavit information and taking action against false information in affidavits.