'Conducting free, fair election is EC's main goal'

Mentioning that the main goal of the Election Commission is to conduct free and fair election, Election  Commissioner Md Anisur Rahman today said they are not concerned about the participants in the upcoming general elections. 

"Elections will not be cancelled for anyone....We want all parties' participation in the elections," he said. 

"The next general national election will be free, fair and impartial. We will continue efforts to ensure participation of those political parties. We have  39 registered political parties and we will talk each party. It is difficult to say whether they will take part in the elections or not," he added. 

The election commissioner camp up with the remarks after the inaugural ceremony of updating voter lists and distribution of smart cards at district  election office this afternoon.

Responding to a question, about the upcoming national elections and electronic voting machine (EVM), "We are yet ready or able to hold elections in 300 seats with electronic voting machines (EVMs)." 

"We have seen that there are different pros and cons about EVMs. These are the things we are trying to solve," he said.

Faridpur Regional Election Officer (Joint-Secretary) Mostafa Faruk, District Awami League President and District Council Administrator Chabedur Rahman Khoka Sikder, Superintendent of Police SM Ashrafuzzaman, District Council Secretary Shamim Hossain, Shariatpur Municipality Mayor Parvez Rahman Jan, among others, were present on the occasion with Deputy Commissioner Md. Parvez Hasan in the chair, reports BSS.