Local elections likely in November-December as schedule to be announced in September: CEC

The schedule for the upcoming local government elections is likely to be announced by next September, said Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin. He also said necessary directives have been given to concerned officials to begin preparations for conducting the polls.

The CEC spoke to reporters at the Election Building in Agargaon on Thursday, August 27, after a courtesy meeting with newly appointed President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. He said the Election Commission secretary has been instructed to prepare so that field-level election activities can begin quickly after the schedule is announced. The concerned commissioner has also been asked to begin coordinating law and order arrangements.

AMM Nasir Uddin noted that several factors, including Durga Puja, educational institution examinations, and legal timeframes, must be considered when determining the election timeline. However, he mentioned that local government elections must begin within the current year. If examinations are concluded quickly, the possibility of starting voting by late November is also under consideration.

The CEC said the timeframe for organising the elections is very limited. Following this, Ramadan, Eid-ul-Adha and the monsoon season will create various practical complications. The election schedule will be finalised considering these factors, and discussions will be held with the concerned ministry on the matter.

Meanwhile, there is a legal obligation to complete a by-election for one constituency within 90 days. The commission is also considering ensuring that no conflicting situation arises between the local government election schedule and that by-election. Additionally, local elections that need to be held earlier according to the law will be prioritised.

Regarding elections in remote and hilly areas, the CEC said efforts will be made to hold voting there during the dry season. He also noted that 371 union councils, which were elected in the first phase on June 10, 2021, are also on the priority list.

Claiming there is no shortfall in the Election Commission's preparations, AMM Nasir Uddin said they want to complete the local government elections maintaining the same standard as the national election. He said importance would be given to ensuring that every step of the commission is acceptable and trustworthy, alongside performing duties with professionalism, independence and impartiality.