No bar to add new electoral symbols: CEC

Bangla Press Desk: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has said there was no restriction on adding new election symbols alongside the existing ones.

Responding to a question from journalists about the National Citizen Party’s (NCP) request for the Shapla (water lily) symbol, he said, “Any registered political party has to choose from our approved list of symbols. The symbol requested by the NCP is not on that list, so it could not be allotted.”

Asked if there was any obstacle to adding new symbols, the CEC said, “No, there is no obstacle. The Commission can increase or decrease the number of symbols if it wants. However, no decision has yet been made regarding the inclusion of the Shapla symbol.”

He made the remarks while speaking to reporters after a view-exchange meeting with deputy commissioners, law enforcement officials, and other government representatives of the Chattogram Division at the Circuit House on Sunday.

Commenting on the NCP leadership, Nasir Uddin said, “Those who are now leading the NCP were at the forefront of the 2024 movement. I believe they will not obstruct the democratic process.

“This Election Commission does not want elections to be held in the dark of night. We aim to deliver a transparent election that is open and visible to all. We want a clean and credible election process, not one conducted in secrecy.”

Emphasising transparency and media access, the CEC said, “There is no restriction on journalists entering polling centres. Instructions have already been issued to ensure their access. If the centres are not overcrowded, journalists will be allowed to stay inside for 10 minutes or more if necessary.”

“We want journalists to cover the election freely,” he continued. “The Commission will provide full cooperation to ensure that accurate and truthful information reaches the public. We will also remain alert to prevent the spread of misinformation.”

Highlighting the importance of fact-checking, he said, “False information harms the public. Therefore, verifying facts before publishing news is crucial. Some media outlets and YouTube channels are already playing a positive role in providing authentic information.”

On the election environment, he assured, “Both male and female voters will be able to cast their votes freely for their preferred candidates. Election officials and presiding officers will perform their duties responsibly and cooperate with journalists.”

Regarding Rohingya voters, the CEC said, “The upcoming election will be based on the updated voter list, which will ensure a fair and transparent voting process for genuine citizens.”

He also said law enforcement agencies were working to recover illegal firearms ahead of the polls to ensure a peaceful environment.

Among others, Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Mohammad Ziauddin, CMP Commissioner Hasib Aziz, Chattogram Range DIG Ahsan Habib Palash, and Senior District Election Officer Bashir Ahmad were present at the event.

BP/SP