No party symbols in local govt elections: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has said that party symbols will not be used in the upcoming local government elections. He said that in light of this decision, work is underway to change the code of conduct and rules of conduct for the elections. However, the election date has not been finalized yet.

The CEC said these things at the swearing-in ceremony of the new committee of the 'Reporters Forum for Elections and Democracy' (RFED) at the Election Training Institute in Agargaon on Monday (May 18).

The CEC said that despite the absence of party symbols, various political parties are already taking a stand for their candidates, which can heat up the elections.

Noting that there have been many incidents of killing and violence in local government elections in the past, he called on political parties to ensure a bloodless election environment through discussions.

Acknowledging the limitations of the Election Commission, the CEC said that it is not possible for the commission alone to make the elections successful. Law enforcement, administration, political parties, candidates, journalists and voters – all parties need cooperation.

He also said that he has maintained the rule of talking to everyone in the office without talking to any big leader on the phone. The CEC said that the only goal of the commission is to ensure free, fair and acceptable elections.