EC prioritising parliamentary polls over local govt elections: Commissioner

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud has said that the Election Commission (EC) is prioritising the upcoming parliamentary elections over local government elections.

He made this remark while speaking to journalists during an exchange meeting with election officials regarding the voter list updating program at the Barishal Regional Election Office on Wednesday morning.

“The Election Commission is committed to ensuring a fair and acceptable election,” Masud said. “We aim to address the public’s reluctance to vote and dispel questions about the acceptability of previous elections. The commission is focused on moving toward achieving this goal.”

He added that 35,000 data collectors are currently engaged nationwide in the voter list update. “Data collectors must show more responsibility. Additionally, those providing information should be vigilant to avoid errors.”

Commenting on the inclusion of fake voters, the commissioner said: “Fake voters will be removed subject to verification. Everyone’s cooperation is required in this process. Mistakes were made in the past, and election officials are striving to rectify them to improve the voter service experience.”

Led by Barisal Regional Election Officer Anisur Rahman, District Election Officer Wahiduzzaman and election officials from 10 upazilas were also present at the meeting.