Summary:
- Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin announced that the upcoming national election will use paper ballots instead of electronic voting machines (EVMs).
- The Election Commission is fully prepared to conduct the election whenever the interim government decides.
- Interim leader Muhammad Yunus suggested the election could take place between late 2025 and early 2026, depending on electoral reforms.
- The focus remains on parliamentary elections, with political parties emphasizing a transition from the interim government to an elected one.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin announced today that Bangladesh’s upcoming national election will be conducted using traditional paper ballots, foregoing the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs). Speaking to the media at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, Nasir Uddin emphasized the commission’s readiness to organize the election whenever directed by the interim government.
The announcement comes in response to statements made by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who recently suggested that the national election could take place between late 2025 and early 2026. Addressing this timeline, the CEC assured that the Election Commission is fully prepared to meet these expectations. “The commission is entirely ready for the national election. Whenever the Chief Adviser or the interim government decides, we will act accordingly,” he stated.
Nasir Uddin clarified that the focus remains on parliamentary elections, as indicated by political stakeholders and recent remarks from Yunus. “The Chief Adviser referred to the national parliamentary election, not local government polls. Political parties have also stressed transferring power from the interim administration to an elected government,” he noted.
This development follows Yunus’s televised address on Victory Day, where he outlined a potential timeframe for elections amid ongoing political reforms. The interim government, formed after Sheikh Hasina’s resignation in August 2024 following widespread student-led protests, has been under pressure to restore democratic processes. Yunus has emphasized that electoral reforms, including creating an accurate voter list and ensuring fairness in constituency delimitation, are critical prerequisites for credible elections.
The CEC reiterated that preparations are underway to finalize a revised voter list within two months. The commission plans to conduct door-to-door data collection to remove deceased and duplicate voters. Additionally, Nasir Uddin assured that any delimitation of constituencies will prioritize fairness and avoid favoritism.
The decision to revert to paper ballots reflects a shift in electoral strategy amid concerns over transparency and public trust in EVMs. This move aligns with broader efforts by the interim government to address grievances over past elections, which were criticized for alleged irregularities and low voter turnout.
Bangladesh’s political landscape remains tense as major parties prepare for the next general election. The Awami League and its opposition counterpart, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), continue to clash over demands for a non-partisan caretaker government to oversee the polls. The BNP has historically boycotted elections under ruling-party-controlled commissions, citing concerns over fairness.
As preparations intensify, observers note that restoring public confidence in the electoral process will be crucial for ensuring participation and legitimacy. The Election Commission’s commitment to a transparent process is seen as a step toward addressing these challenges. “We aim to deliver a free, neutral, and credible election with cooperation from all stakeholders,” Nasir Uddin affirmed.
While no specific date has been set for the polls, today’s announcement underscores the Election Commission’s resolve to uphold democratic principles during this transitional period in Bangladesh’s governance.
Source: Daily Inqilab
