The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Dr ATM Shamsul Huda yesterday called on Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed at the later's office and submitted a copy of the report on recent dialogue between the Election Commission (EC) and political parties on electoral reforms.

Election Commissioners Mohammad Sohul Hussain and Brig Gen M Sakhawat Hossain and EC Secretary Humayun Kabir accompanied the CEC during the report submission.

Cabinet Secretary Ali Imam Majumder, Secretary of Chief Adviser's Office Kazi Aminul Islam and CA's Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim were also present on the occasion.

Earlier, the CEC at a press conference at his office said the EC does not want to embarrass the interim government asking for withdrawal of the state of emergency ahead of the general elections.

"We will request the government to take necessary steps to create congenial atmosphere for holding a fair election but we do not want to embarrass the government," he said.

About the report that was unveiled before the press conference, the CEC said the Commission made a series of recommendations to the government for ensuring a free and fair election.

The recommendations include strengthening the EC, banning front

organisations of political parties and their units abroad, keeping

provision of casting 'no vote' in the ballot and curbing writing and pasting of posters on the walls.

Emphasising the need for changing the present system of appointing election commissioners, the CEC said the parliamentary business advisory committee comprising the top leaders of all parties in Parliament, could finalise the appointment of the election commissioners to ensure the EC's neutrality.

He also observed that the EC's size should be made specific consisting of three commissioners including a woman member.

In the morning, the CEC met President Prof Dr Iajuddin Ahmed and handed over a copy of the report to him.