EC to talk to parties if needed

The Election Commission will hold dialogue with political parties before amending the electoral code ahead of the upcoming parliamentary polls if the commission deems it necessary to take their opinions and recommendations, Election Commissioner Shah Nawaz said yesterday.
Criticising some media reports that the EC has moved to reform the electoral code, he said, "I want to clearly say that we have neither taken any decision nor held any meeting for amending the code of conduct. We will sit for scrutinising it before announcing the schedule for the national polls." Shah Nawaz was speaking to journalists at the EC Secretariat.
The EC Secretariat has drafted amendments to the electoral code, stating that if the general election is held under a partisan government, the ruling party chief and its 20 leaders would enjoy the privilege to lead electioneering across the country.
This means that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina along with 20 other ministers or state ministers or Awami League leaders would be enabled to join campaigns without resigning from their posts, if the premier continues as the AL chief.
This move drew huge criticism from different sections, especially from the opposition.
Meanwhile, the EC will announce the schedule for the Barguna-2 by-election on Sunday, said the commission officials.