Decision after formal directive from govt on referendum: CEC

Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has said that a referendum will be held on the day of the upcoming national election. Regarding this, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin said the Election Commission (EC) will make a decision only after receiving a formal directive from the government concerning the referendum.

He said this in response to a question from journalists while holding a dialogue with political parties at the Election Commission building on Thursday, November 13.

The chief adviser announced the plan to hold a referendum on implementing the July Charter on the same day as the national election. When asked about the EC’s opinion, whether conducting both simultaneously would be a challenge, and if it would affect the parliamentary election, the CEC said, “I was attending the dialogue here. I did not hear the speech. I do not know exactly what he said or in which context he said it.”

He added, “Since I did not hear it, it would not be appropriate to comment without knowing the details. Once we are formally informed, we will review the matter, discuss it collectively in the commission, and then provide our opinion. At this moment, giving any comment would not be justified. I honestly have not heard the speech, so I do not wish to comment.”