Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) has highlighted security as the "biggest challenge" in organising Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th parliamentary election as the Election Commission (EC) prepares for what it calls the most transparent polls in the country’s history.Speaking at a workshop in Chattogram on Saturday, CEC said maintaining order during voting will be the key test for election officials across the country.
“Let us set an example in this country of what the rule of law truly means. We want to show that through this election, whatever the outcome,” Nasir said.
The EC's main concern now is that ensuring the safety of polling stations and staff Nasir added. “The biggest challenge we are facing in conducting the polls security. It become a serious concern for everyone. Managing this will be major challenge for us.”
He reminded presiding officers that they had full authority on election date to act decisively in case of untoward incidents.
“If there is trouble at a polling centre, can close it. If there are disturbances in three centres, can shut all three. If necessary, can even suspend polling across the entire constituency,” Nasir said. CEC also acknowledged other obstacles, including administrative, legal, and technological challenges. “Whom to appoint and where to deploy -- these are administrative challenges for commission. There are also legal issues, like deciding who will take action against if chaos breaks out at a centre, and what form that action should take.”
“We have some technological challenges surveillance cameras, tracking systems, artificial intelligence. These must all be managed carefully,” CEC added.
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