It is disappointing for the Election Commission that some of the major political parties are not taking part in the upcoming upazila elections, Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda said today.

The CEC said this while addressing as the chief guest at a training of trainers programme at the Election Training Institute in the capital's Agargaon.

But the chief election commissioner said he is optimistic that the elections would be competitive despite nonparticipation of the parties.

It is the local government election and this sort of elections usually sees stiff competitions as local people become the candidates, he said.

The CEC urged the trainers to act neutrally while discharging their duties during the elections.

If the trainers work for any particular party or individual, the commission will be tough with them, he said adding, “Nobody will be spared if found guilty”.   

“You have no party, no opinion. As officials of the republic, you are only accountable to the Constitution, laws and principles,” the CEC told the Election Commission officials.

UPAZILA POLLS SCHEDULE

The first phase of the five-phase upazila polls will be held in 87 upazilas on March 10, while 124 upazilas will go to polls in the second phase on March 18.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission on February 14 announced the third phase upazila polls schedule, setting March 24 as the voting day.