Questionable elections hurt democracy

Election Commissioner (EC) Mahbub Talukder yesterday said questionable elections are harmful to democracy.

“No nation can stand with self-respect in front of the world with questionable democracy,” Mahbub said at a training programme for returning and assistant returning officers of third phase of upazila parishad election.

The training programme was held at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital's Agargaon area.  Election Commission on February 14 announced the third-phase upazila polls schedule, setting March 24 as the voting day.

He said that the upazila parishad election has lost its appeal as a major opposition party is not participating.

Election should be held in a free, fair and acceptable way, regardless of the political situation in the country, Mahbub said.

He also asked election officials to ensure security for voters and inspire them to go to polling centres on election day.

At the same programme, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda said this upazila election will be competitive. This the first time the election is being held with party symbols.

He also put emphasis on coordination among law enforcers and other election officials for a smooth election.

CEC also asked election officials to remain alert and take necessary steps to avert any violence centring upazila polls.

The first phase of the five-phase upazila polls will be held in 87 upazilas on March 10, while 124 upazilas will go to polls in the second phase on March 18.

EC officials said they were planning to hold the fourth and fifth phases of the election on March 31 and June 18 respectively.