Local Government Elections Likely in January
The Election Commission (EC) expects to hold the local government elections in January next year, taking public examinations and other factors into consideration. The election schedule may be announced in November.
Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarker said this while speaking to journalists at the Election Commission in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Thursday afternoon about the upcoming local government elections, by-elections and other contemporary issues.
Mr. Anwarul said the commission was considering holding the elections after the public examinations. “The elections will not be held in November or December because of annual examinations. We hope to begin the elections in January,” he said.
Asked about the matter, he said the commission had earlier announced tentative dates but later found that annual examinations were beginning at educational institutions across the country. Flooding had also delayed examinations and other academic activities for students.
“Therefore, the EC is considering all factors, including Ramadan, Eid, Durga Puja, and SSC and HSC examinations, while planning the elections,” he said.
Responding to another question, Mr. Anwarul said the Election Commission had not postponed the election dates due to any pressure from the government. Rather, he said, the commission announces election dates after considering practical circumstances, the law and the Constitution.
He said the EC wanted to work within the law and in accordance with the Constitution. “The Election Commission has never taken any decision under pressure from anyone. It is working in accordance with practical realities, the law and the Constitution,” he said.
He added that the decision was made primarily to ensure that the studies of young students were not disrupted.
Mr. Anwarul said law enforceECment agencies are also engaged during elections, making it possible to hold voting simultaneously.
