By-polls amid pandemic due to constitutional obligation: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda today said by-elections have to be held due to constitutional obligation.

He made the remark at a meeting of the law and order committee formed over by-election in Jashore-6 (Keshabpur) constituency and views-exchange meeting with the candidates.

Responding to a question from reporters after the meeting, the CEC said the constitution gives the Election Commission the power to defer voting for 90 days in case of any disaster or catastrophe.

As that time is coming to an end on July 15, they have no choice but to hold the election, he explained.

Asked whether the opinion of the High Court could be sought on the matter, he said the Election Commission was not empowered to go to the High Court.

Responding to another question on how the voters of two wards in Keshabpur municipality which are now under "red zone" will cast vote, Nurul Huda said he hoped voters would come to the polling centres following health guidelines.

The chief election commissioner landed at Keshabpur Pilot School ground by helicopter at 10am. After the meeting, he flew to Bogura-1 area.

The by-election to Jashore-6 constituency was supposed to be held on March 29. But due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Election Commission postponed the election on March 21. According to the commission's decision on July 4, the by-election to this constituency will be held on July 14.

This constitution was declared vacant after Keshabpur MP and former state minister for public administration Ismat Ara Sadeq died on January 21. The Election Commission announced the schedule for the by-election of the constituency on February 16.