Noting that violence and loss of life occur in every local government election, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin said that the Election Commission is giving utmost importance to stopping these conflicts, and holding peaceful and bloodless elections is now their main goal.”
The Chief Election Commissioner said this at a function organized by the Asian Network for Free Elections at a hotel in the capital on Thursday to release the full report of the observation of the 13th National Parliament Election and Referendum.
The CEC said, "We do not want any bloodshed. We want to hold bloodless local government elections. This requires everyone's cooperation."
He said, “Local government elections are historically more conflict-ridden. In addition to the loss of lives in different areas, many people are injured, which is a matter of great concern.”
He called on all parties, including political parties, to work together to come out of this situation.
He called on political parties, saying, "The nation must unite on this issue. The Election Commission will also launch awareness programs to prevent conflicts. Efforts will be made to bring everyone together by discussing with stakeholders so that peaceful and fair elections can be held.”
Explaining the reasons for concern about the local government elections, the CEC highlighted information about past violence.
He said, “According to the information published in the media by Citizens for Good Governance (Sujon), 236 people were killed in the 2016 local government elections. In addition, according to the information from the Ain O Salish Kendra, 116 people were killed in the 2021 Union Parishad elections.”
The Chief Election Commissioner said, “There will be no shortage of efforts. If we get everyone’s cooperation, we will be able to succeed in the interest of the country, in the interest of democracy. Democracy is not limited to the national level; grassroots democracy is even more important. UP members are directly involved in serving the people. The services of a democratic government reach the people through local government.”
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
