No pressure imposed before taking decision of ballot paper in next election: CEC

The decision of using ballot paper in the upcoming 12th National Election has not been taken under any pressure. Moreover, it is the Election Commission’s own decision, Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal on Thursday said during a press briefing at the Nirbachan Bhaban (Election Building) in Dhaka’s Agargaon.

The CEC observed that the main challenge is participation of all political parties rather than use of electronic voting machine (EVM) or ballot paper.

“It will be up to the Commission to ensure that all parties participate in the election. If all the parties participate in the election, it will be acceptable to people,” he also said.

The biggest challenge at the moment is to overcome the political crisis, he added.

Saying “EVMs are more secure than ballots,” the Chief Election Commissioner said stopping rigging is easy with EVMs. But hundred percent fair voting is not possible either with ballots or EVM, he said.

CEC Habibul Awal ruled out the idea of an early election and stated that preparations are being undertaken in accordance with the roadmap provided by the Election Commission. Therefore, here is no question of early election.