Candidates breaching polls code to be show-caused
Election Commissioner Rafiqul Islam yesterday said they have asked returning officers to serve show-cause notices to those candidates breaching electoral code of conduct.
He also urged law enforcers and administration not to harass anyone during the election.
Rafiqul made the comments as many Election Commission officials raised eyebrows after Awami League DNCC mayoral candidate Atiqul Islam opened an election office, which was inaugurated by lawmaker Sahara Khatun.
They said according to the code of conduct, none will be allowed to carry out formal campaigning before allotment of election symbols.
Moreover, no lawmaker can take part in campaigning.
On Saturday, BNP DSCC mayoral candidate filed a written complaint with the returning officer alleging that BNP-supported candidates were being intimidated.
The same day, BNP DNCC candidate Tabith Awal also lodged a written complaint alleging that Atiqul Islam breached electoral code of conduct.
He alleged that Atiqul took part in election campaign in Gulshan-1 using loudspeakers and setting up a stage.
“I have asked the returning officer to issue show-cause notices to aspirants who are breaching the code of conduct,” Rafiqul Islam said when his attention was drawn to the issue.
He said an aspirant becomes a candidate only after allotment of a symbol.
“If anyone brings out a procession and starts campaigning, we will ask returning officers to take action as per law,” he said.
When mentioned about the inauguration of an election office of Atiqul by a lawmaker, he said the EC will ask the aspirant to refrain from carrying out such activities.
Locals alleged that Atiqul opened an election office in Uttara and many AL activists joined the programme and brought out a motorcycle rally.
“We just opened an election office but we did not seek votes from there. All we did was to hold a prayer session. There is no breaching of electoral code of conduct,” Atiqul said.
Asked, DNCC Returning Officer Abul Kashem said Atiqul has just opened an election camp and did not start campaigning yet.
“We will talk to you [journalists] after discussing the matter with the executive magistrate and an assistant returning officer of the city,” Abul Kashem added.
“If anyone is found at fault, the Election Commission will take action as per rules,” he further said.
Meanwhile, DSCC Returning Officer Abdul Baten yesterday urged candidates to remain cautious about over use of loudspeakers during electioneering as SSC exams will start from February 2.
He said examinees will be taking their last minute preparations during the time.
The returning officer also warned candidates not to begin campaigning before allotment of symbols (January 10).
43 APPEALS
Forty-three aspirants including Jatiya Party’s [mayoral aspirant] GM Quamrul Islam lodged appeals with the appellate authorities against the returning officers’ decision to reject their candidacy during scrutiny.
Dhaka Division Commissioner Selim Reza, who will dispose of the appeals, said they will hold the hearing on Monday and Tuesday.
On January 2, returning officers of DNCC and DSCC -- during the scrutiny -- cancelled candidacy of 45 ward councillor aspirants and GM Quamrul Islam.
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