EC Confident of Free, Fair Polls on February 12

“We think the political parties are fully cooperating with us in all aspects, and we firmly believe we can hold a good election,” Rahmanel Masud told reporters at his office in Nirbachan Bhaban.

Responding to questions about possible pressure or non-cooperation, the election commissioner said the EC has not faced interference from any quarter. “We have not received any pressure at all. We are working with full independence to carry out the constitutional responsibilities entrusted to us,” he said, adding that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure a fair voting process.

Rahmanel Masud said the overall election atmosphere has remained positive so far. “Considering the environment we have observed, we are very optimistic. The situation is quite good,” he noted.

He also urged voters to exercise their franchise freely in the upcoming polls. “I request voters to come to polling centres without fear, cast their votes for the candidates of their choice and fulfil their civic duty,” he said.

The commissioner further noted that the EC retains the authority to take action even after the election if irregularities are detected. “If an ineligible candidate manages to contest and even gets elected for any reason, the commission still has the scope to take action at a later stage,” he said.

Addressing concerns over false disclosures by candidates, Rahmanel Masud said a new legal provision—Article 91F—was added to the Representation of the People Order in 2025 to strengthen accountability.

Under the provision, if the Election Commission finds, even after the election, that a candidate provided false information in affidavits or in statements of income and expenditure, the EC can cancel the candidate’s election, he said.

The remarks come as the EC continues preparations for the February 12 polls, with international partners, including the United Nations, also engaging with political parties on election-related support.