EC clears action plan for national election in Feb

“Everything for the action plan has been finalised. It has been approved,” Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarker told the media on Wednesday.

EC officials said the action plan, earlier referred to as the electoral roadmap by the EC secretary, will be unveiled shortly.

Later in the afternoon, EC senior secretary Akhtar Ahmed is scheduled to brief the media on overall issues following the conclusion of hearings on the re-demarcation of parliamentary constituencies.

The action plan issue is also expected to be addressed in the briefing.

According to EC officials, the roadmap outlines key preparatory activities, including political party registration, re-demarcation of parliamentary constituencies, reforms to the Representation of the People Order (RPO), updating electoral rules and guidelines, IT-supported voter registration and postal ballot system for expatriates and procurement of essential election materials.

On August 14, EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said the roadmap would provide a clear picture of the commission’s preparations for the polls.

He also said it would specify major electoral tasks and their timelines, including schedules for dialogues with civil society members and journalists, as well as deadlines for amendments and reforms to electoral laws.

Earlier, this month, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin said the next national election is likely to be held in the first half of February and the EC has already intensified its preparations across the country, reports UNB.