The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The Election Commission (EC) will take legal steps against candidates if any mistake is found in the affidavits of the candidates even after being elected in the polls.

Election Commissioner Brig Gen (Retd) M Shakhawat Hossain said this while talking to reporters at his office yesterday.

He also ruled out any possibility to bring amendment to the newly approved Representation of People Order (RPO) Ordinance-2008.

“There is no necessity of amending the RPO and there is no further scope or time for the government to discuss it either,” he said adding, “If we go for amending the draft RPO, it will take another six months.”

Criticising the political parties for their latest position on Representation of People Order Ordinance, he said the Commission prepared the recommendations taking the opinions of the political parties.

“Many proposals had been dropped considering the recommendations of the parties. Many proposals were also made easier,” he said adding, the political parties were apprised on which matter the Commission has nothing to do,” he mentioned.

He said all statements and the recommendations made by the political parties during the dialogue were recorded and published in book format.

“Why are they now denying it now? We do not know. Only they know the reason behind their stands against the RPO-2008,” he observed.

Asked what sort of measure the Commission would take if candidates provide wrong information in their affidavits, Shakhawat Hossain said legal measures would be taken after investigation if it is proved that there are mistakes in the affidavit information.

“Recommendations will be sent to the Ministry and the Department concerned to take necessary steps, including cancellation of candidatures after proper investigations,” he said.

The Election Commissioner said affidavits of the candidates stating necessary information are being submitted by to the Commission Secretariat. “The Commission has been examining the affidavits,” he said.

Shakhawat Hossain said assistance of National Board of Revenue (NBR) would be taken if the candidates do not pay income tax despite their eligibility.

Replying to a question, he said the atmosphere of the local government elections to four city corporations and nine pourasabhas was going on well. The candidates were complying with the code of conduct and electoral rules, he added.