Dhaka, Nov 19 (V7N) — Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has said that ensuring a fair and acceptable election is not the responsibility of the Election Commission alone; political parties must also play a decisive role. He made the remarks on Wednesday morning during the EC’s dialogue with leaders of seven political parties at the Election Building in Agargaon.

The CEC stated that political parties have a greater influence in the voting process than law enforcement agencies. “If the parties work sincerely, the Election Commission does not have to take extra pressure,” he said, stressing the importance of collective commitment to credible polls.

Ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliament elections, the Election Commission has been engaging in regular dialogues with political parties. Today’s sessions included discussions with 13 parties, including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami.

In the first phase, the EC met with leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami, Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP), Bangladesh Minority Janata Party, Insaniat Biplob, Gano Sanghati Andolan, Jatiyatabadi Ganotantrik Andolan (NDM), and Bangladesh Labor Party.

From 2 pm, BNP, Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP), Ganaodhikar Parishad, Nagorik Oikya, Bangladesh Republican Party, and Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal are scheduled to take part in the second phase of the dialogue.

This follows EC consultations with 24 political parties over the past two days.

Earlier, participating political leaders called for stronger enforcement of the electoral code of conduct and urged the EC to ensure a level playing field for all parties.

END/SMA/AJ