Nomination trading won’t go unchecked: EC

Election Commissioner Brigadier General (retd) Abul Fazl Md Sanaullah on Sunday warned that the Election Commission (EC) would take action if it receives credible complaints of nomination trading ahead of the 13th parliamentary elections.

Speaking at a programme organised by the Citizens’ Platform at the China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka, Sanaullah said political parties often place partisan interests above national considerations, urging them to rise above such practices for the greater interest of the state.

“Nomination trading usually takes place discreetly. If complaints are lodged, the Commission will take appropriate action,” he said.

He noted that the amended Representation of the People Order (RPO) contains legal provisions enabling the EC to act against candidates who are loan defaulters, among other violations.

Sanaullah also acknowledged that public trust and confidence in the Election Commission have declined sharply over the past 15 years, describing the restoration of that trust as one of the Commission’s biggest challenges.

Referring to recent legal amendments, he said the EC has now been empowered to play a more proactive role in ensuring accountability. Under the revised law, the Commission can initiate investigations on its own if allegations of misconduct are raised against a Member of Parliament. If the allegations are proven, the law provides for the loss of parliamentary membership.

MOS/MHK/NMA