The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The Election Commission's attitudes have changed in tune with the country's political paradigm change as reflected in inviting the mainstream BNP to a new round of dialogue with 16 political parties.

"There are some things to be described as contexts. The context that had existed in the past may have changed now," Election Commission Secretary M Humayun Kabir told reporters Monday when asked to explain the latest change of EC attitude to the immediate-past ruling party that was snubbed during previous talks.

Now the third round of pre-poll dialogue begins on September 6, with the BNP loyal to its detained chairperson and ex-PM Khaleda Zia joining the consultation on changes in politico-electoral rules.

Asked whether the EC would give a written statement describing its position following the EC's earlier statement delivered when the reformist BNP group was invited to the dialogue, the EC secretary said the commission's written statement might be given later after making a "historical analysis" of the changing scenario.

He said the commission has already scheduled its dialogue with the political parties to sort out any problem regarding their registration process under the revised rules.

"Everything will be solved if the matters are discussed with the stakeholders," he said, indicating the political parties' objections, especially about the provision of the parties disowning their various fronts.

Replying a question at the briefing at the EC secretariat, Humayun Kabir said the commission has not taken decision on changing voter-registration areas for some difficulties. "There are some rules and restrictions in amending the voter list before the 9th parliamentary elections," he said.

The EC official stressed the need for creating awareness among the country's voters through massive campaigns so that they (voters) could overcome the problems in casting vote using the number.

About the schedule announcement for Dhaka City Corporation polls, he said the Commission has been proceeding to hold all elections, including the DCC polls, but the schedule cannot be announced unless all preparations are completed.

He informed that more than 30 political parties, including Jatiya Party (Ershad), have already collected the registration forms from the Election Commission to get register with the EC in compliance with the reforms done in the interim period.

The new rules have been incorporated in the electoral law under massive reforms undertaken after the January 11, 2007 political crisis over elections issues that led to the current state of emergency in the country.