Staff Correspondent
The Election Commission (EC) has decided to deploy the Army from December 20 across the country ahead of 9th parliamentary poll slated for December 29 although the commission previously planned to deploy them from December 24.
The EC’s decision was disclosed by Election Commissioner Brig General (retd) Shakhawat Hossain while briefing newspersons at his office yesterday afternoon.
He said sensing the attempt of sabotage reported by some print and electronic media, the EC has changed its earlier decision and decided to deploy the Army from December 20 to ensure law and order before and during the upcoming general election slated for December 29.
He said, “The Army will be deployed from December 20, but they will start moving to field level from December 18, just two days before their deployment across the country.”
Shakhawat said EC asked the Ministry of Establishment to employ the judicial magistrates to conduct immediate judgments against the violators of electoral code of conducts.
The Election Commissioner urged all candidates of (local and parliamentary poll) to abide by the electoral code of conduct during election campaigning and called upon them to refrain from holding rallies and meeting closing the streets and roads.
Shakhawat said the commission already got some allegations of violating the electoral code of conduct in the country and the officials concerned have begun investigating about the allegations.
Asked about election campaign of party chiefs, he said the chiefs of the political parties are able to hold their meetings anytime. “There is no timetable for the party chiefs,” he said.
“The EC already received some allegations against some political parties of violating electoral code of conduct. We will take stern action against the violators if recommendation comes to us,” he said in a reply of a question.
About the motor cavalcades, he said there’re some allegations found that some people started election campaigning by “motor showdown” and the police were already asked to take measures against them.
Asked about ‘No Vote’, he said the system of keeping the no vote would preserve citizens’ right in the country. “They (voters) can cast votes even if they do not like any candidate,” he said.
Courtesy: thebangladeshtoday.com
