The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Chief Election Commissioner Dr ATM Shamsul Huda Monday said the national election would not be held under the state of emergency even though the Election Commission has not yet taken any decision what would be its strategy in this regard. "No, no, that won't happen," CEC Huda told reporters at a briefing in response to a question if the elections this time would be held under martial law as the CEC himself referred to 1970, 1979 and 1986 elections held under martial law, and termed that of 1970 as "nice elections".

The journalists were briefed as the Commission yesterday finalised the district-wise delimitation of parliamentary seats, raising the number in four divisions and keeping it unchanged in two others.

As per the redrawn parliamentary constituencies, there would be 94 seats in Dhaka division against its previous 90, 58 seats in Chittagong division against 59, 21 in Barisal division against 23, 36 seats in Khulna division against 37.

The number of parliamentary seats in Sylhet (19 seats) and Rajshahi divisions (72 seats) remained unchanged.

Asked why the issue of martial law came, the CEC said it has been reported to him that this particular issue is being discussed in the media.

"We're not propagating or recommending it (the idea of holding elections under state of emergency)… There'll be different kinds of people when we'll call on the Chief Adviser (to discuss the matter of emergency)… We need to know the background so that we can handle any kind of question regarding the instances (of holding elections under martial law or state of emergency," Huda said clarifying the EC's position.

"We (EC) have not yet taken any decision what strategy we'll adopt (about state of emergency)," he said when asked how earlier the state of emergency should be lifted before holding the elections.

Asked how earlier than the EC announced roadmap (election by Dec 2008) the elections could be held, the CEC said the timeline could be guessed by mid-February.

About the electoral roll, he said the ongoing second round of countrywide voter-listing seems to be most difficult and now the task is going on in Dhaka City Corporation and offshore islands, haor and chars like Manpura, Hatia, Swandip, Kutubdia and Moheshkhali and Urir Char and Char Alexander.

"It doesn't mean that the Election Commission will be ready as soon as the list is completed. Another one and half months are required to take objections and hold hearings regarding the list," CEC Huda said. Hailing the Communications

Adviser's remarks that the state of emergency would not be there even for an hour when it is not required for, the CEC said he had taken the remarks as made on behalf of the government.

"The government is our assisting force… It's entirely a political decision what is to do with the state of emergency. What we can, we can pinch it (the government)… I asked to lift the ban on politics fully, but the government didn't," he said.

About the district-wise delimitation of the parliamentary constituencies, CEC Huda said the status of some 251 constituencies would remain the same while that of others would be delimited maintaining the geographical integrity and facilities of the inhabitants.

As per the EC's delimitation done by using the Highest Reminder method, there would be one more constituency each in Rajshahi, Chittagong, Gazipur and 7 in Dhaka, while Sirajganj, Chandpur, Comilla, Barguna, Satkhira, Faridpur, Kishoreganj, Manikganj and Munshiganj will lose one each.

Asked about discussing the delimitation issue with political parties, Huda said at this early stage there is no need to discuss it. "Discussion can take place at local or national level when the draft will be finalised," he said.

About apprehension of the political parties that the EC's step to delimit the constituencies would hamper elections, the CEC said the EC would take measures so that the elections are not hampered.

"We have plans - plan A, plan B - We'll take measures as per the situation… Our only goal is to hold elections by December, 2008 by any means… We'll be fully careful so that the elections are not hampered… If any irresistible circumstance emerges, then the existing (list of constituencies) will be followed… We won't get stuck," the CEC said.

The constituencies were earlier redrawn in 1973, 1979, 1984 and in 1995 on limited scales.

The delimitation ordinance has identified three criteria- population, administrative convenience and keeping administrative units intact-for redrawing the constituencies.