We can hold a free, fair vote: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin expressed confidence that the upcoming parliamentary election would be conducted freely and fairly, saying, “The election environment is good, and we believe we can hold a free and fair election.”

He made the remarks while visiting the nomination appeal booths at the Election Commission headquarters in the capital's Agargaon on Monday (January 5), where appeals against returning officers’ decisions on nomination papers are being received.

“We are making our utmost effort and are convinced that with everyone’s cooperation, we can ensure a fair election,” Nasir Uddin added.

The EC has set up 10 booths inside its headquarters for receiving appeals, which began Monday and will continue until January 9. The appeals will be disposed of between January 10 and 18.

Ahead of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election, 3,406 nomination papers were issued, and 2,568 were submitted. Of these, 1,842 were validated while 723 were rejected.

Under the revised election schedule, the deadline for candidate withdrawal is January 20. Returning officers will publish the final candidate list and allocate symbols on January 21. Official election campaigning will run from January 22 until 7:30am on February 10. Voting is scheduled for February 12, from 7:30am to 4:30pm.