Shujan urges EC to exercise its full authority for fair polls

Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Shujan), a civil rights body, today urged the Election Commission to exercise its full authority to make sure that the forthcoming 11th parliamentary elections are held in a credible and participatory manner.

"Our Election Commission has such power which is not even granted to the Election Commission of India. We urge them to exercise it to hold a fair election," said Shujan Secretary Badiul Alam Majumdar at a press conference in Dhaka.

Shujan organised the press conference titled 'Call for a Proper, Peaceful and Acceptable Election' at the Jatiya Press Club.

The Election Commission, the government, administration and political parties, have certain roles to play to ensure a fair and peaceful election, he said.

About irregularities reported during previous polls, the Shujan secretary said the risk is higher this time as the election will be held under a political government instead of a caretaker one.

He urged the government and the Election Commission to make sure that the current members of parliament do not influence the polls in their constituencies.

Urging the media to unmask and spread the reports of any irregularity to be committed by candidates or the commission, Shujan central coordinator Dilip Kumar Sarker said they could make an investigative report on each candidate.

"As representatives of people, we're hopeful that the 11th parliamentary elections will be participatory, competitive and credible ones," he added.

A statement was read out at the press conference giving directives to the stakeholders of the election what should be their course of actions.

Shujan also announced to hold several such programmes including press conferences, awareness building through cultural performances, human chains and marching event alongside the use of social media across 30 constituencies until the election.

According to the election schedule, the 11th parliamentary elections will be held on December 30.