Poll prep possible under EC’s jurisdiction: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Thursday said the Election Commission is now carrying out the election preparation tasks that are necessary and possible within its jurisdiction.

"We're working on those things that we think are within our authority and necessary or possible before the election," he said replying to a question whether the Election Commission would wait for the decisions of the National Consensus Commission over the electoral reform recommendations.

The CEC was talking to reporters after a meeting with Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Susan Ryle at his office in the capital.

Nasir Uddin said the Consensus Commission would decide on the political issues and the matters that involve politics.

They would know the decisions of the Consensus Commission later, but now the Election Commission is working on the issues that are emergency and possible right now, he added.

About the meeting, the CEC said the Australian High Commissioner assured that all possible necessary supports to the Election Commission ahead of the next general election.

"They said that they are ready to support us and the Election Commission as per our request... She assured us all possible necessary supports to the Election Commission," he said.

Nasir Uddin said the envoy wanted to know EC's preparation for the next parliamentary election and the overall reform activities. "I informed her details," said the CEC.

The Australian High Commissioner said they continue to support the Election Commission's efforts for free and fair elections.

"Bangladesh is going through as a way towards open, free and fair elections stadia...We continue to work with you as specific hand to support your efforts," she said.

Susan Ryle described her discussion with the CEC as a very productive meeting, reports UNB.