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It's a big problem

CEC irked as ruling AL openly influences nomination in non-partisan city polls

Star Report
Chief Election Commissioner ATM Shamsul Huda yesterday expressed dissatisfaction over the Awami League's pressing either of the two party-affiliated mayoral candidates in the upcoming Narayanganj City Corporation polls to quit the race.
The ruling party has been trying to persuade either Shamim Osman or Selina Hayat Ivy to back down. They had a series of meetings, even with party chief Sheikh Hasina, with no positive outcome. Both are still in the race with the last date for withdrawal of candidacy expiring Wednesday. Last night, the party finally decided to back Shamim.
"It's a big problem... Political parties are manipulating the non-partisan local government elections," CEC Huda told reporters yesterday when his attention was drawn to
Awami League's efforts to cajole one candidate out of the polls scheduled for October 30. He said Awami League's effort was "direct interference".
He said the electoral laws say that the polls to all local government bodies are nonpartisan in nature but the reality is different.
"Amend the laws if you [the political parties] want to keep influencing local government bodies' polls. We do not have any problem if the polls to local government bodies are made partisan in nature," Huda said.
Huda yesterday termed BNP-backed mayoral candi-date Taimur Alam Khandoker's remarks on electronic voting machines (EVM) unwarranted. Taimur earlier opposed the use of the machines in the NCC polls and alleged that the machines would be used to
rig the polls.
"Such comment without examining the EVMs is unfortunate. It's an electoral offence," Huda said, adding, "The maximum punishment for committing such offences is cancellation of candidacy." He urged all not to ruin the atmosphere conducive to holding a free and fair election.
On deployment of the army, the CEC said the matter is also under the EC's consideration. "We are constantly observing the law and order in the electoral areas. We will go for army deployment, if needed," he added.
Frontrunners Ivy and Taimur have been demanding army deployment during the polls.
ELECTORAL DEBATE
The CEC said the Election Commission would organise an open electoral debate for mayoral candidates on
October 25 to apprise the voters of the candidates. Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and bdnews24.com will cover the three-hour-long debate live, he said.
Six mayoral aspirants will be invited to take part in the debate at Narayanganj. Voters will be allowed to ask candidates questions about their plans if they become the mayor.
He said Shushashoner Jonney Nagorik (Shujan), citizens for good governance, will hold another debate for councillor candidates.
SYMBOLALLOCATED
The returning officer yesterday allocated election symbols to mayoral and councillor candidates in the NCC polls. Shamim was allocated “wall clock", Ivy “inkpotpen” whileTaimur got “pineapple”.