EC will carry out its own reforms: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin yesterday said reforms that are urgent before the next election and within the Election Commission's jurisdiction will be implemented by the EC itself.

He said this while talking to reporters following a meeting with Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Susan Ryle at the EC.

"Some reforms, which are beyond the Election Commission's control and involve political issues, will be addressed through the National Consensus Commission."

The CEC added that the meeting discussed preparations for the 13th national election and to what extent the EC will be able to implement the recommendations of the Electoral Reform Commission.

On March 17, the EC objected to 10 key reform proposals, including those on the separate authority for delimitation of constituencies, the timing of local government polls and the national election, and probes against election commissioners.

In a letter to Prof Ali Riaz, co-chairman of National Consensus Commission, the EC raised the objection to the Electoral Reform Commission's proposal on authorising a parliamentary committee to investigate failures of election commissioners.

"Some reforms, which are beyond the Election Commission's control and involve political issues, will be addressed through the National Consensus Commission."

— CEC AMM Nasir Uddin

Additionally, the EC opposed the proposed Election Commission Ordinance 2025, which seeks to introduce criminal liability for election commissioners for failing to ensure fair elections. This provision would erode the commissioners' independence and expose them to political pressure.

Yesterday, CEC Nasir Uddin said Australia has expressed its willingness to assist the EC in the upcoming national polls.

He said, "They [Australia] enquired about our preparations for the next parliamentary election whether we are satisfied with it. They also asked about reforms. We informed them about the reforms that are underway. They said that if we seek assistance, they are ready to support us. She [Australian high commissioner) assured us of all possible and necessary support.

"We have completed the work on the voter list. We've initiated the procurement process. We also told her about the initiative taken regarding the delimitation of parliamentary constituencies.

"We informed that the deadline for party registration has been extended by two months and that changes are being made to the Electoral Code of Conduct, as well as the observer policy. We briefed the Australian high commissioner on all essential election-related activities."

Speaking to journalists, High Commissioner Susan Ryle said, "I had a very productive meeting with the Election Commission. As Bangladesh is moving towards an open, free and fair election, Australia stands by Bangladesh.

"We continue to work with you as best we can to support your efforts."