Election Commission forms vigilance teams to ensure free, fair polls

Ahead of the 13th National Parliament election and accompanying referendum, the Election Commission (EC) has formed special Vigilance and Observation Teams at district and metropolitan levels to ensure a free, fair, and transparent voting process.

Each team will operate under the leadership of the Returning Officer and include officials from various government departments as well as neutral experts from the private sector. Similar teams will function at upazila and metropolitan police station levels under the supervision of Assistant Returning Officers.

To further monitor the electoral process, the EC has established Election Monitoring Teams led by returning officers, which will include not only election officials but also representatives of competing candidates, allowing parties direct oversight of polling activities.

Additionally, a Law Enforcement Coordination Cell has been formed to maintain peace and strengthen coordination among police, RAB, and other security agencies, operating under the returning officer’s supervision.

The EC said these measures aim to make the election process transparent, credible, and secure, providing voters with a safe environment to exercise their franchise.