One million govt employees will be able to cast votes: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has said that the voting rights of about one million government employees serving in the upcoming 13th National Parliament elections will be ensured.

”The voter list update has been finalised, removing over 21 lakh deceased voters and adding more than 43 lakh new voters.”

The Election Commission (EC) on Monday began a series of dialogues with editors, senior journalists and news executives from print, television and online media, seeking their cooperation in creating a fair environment ahead of the next polls.

“The gender gap in voter numbers has also narrowed-from around 30 lakh to 18 lakh-as more women have been enrolled. We have successfully reengaged women who had lost interest in voting,” the CEC said.

“We are committed to the nation for a credible election. This dialogue is not a ceremonial one; we want to move forward with your (media) valuable advice. We seek your cooperation in ensuring a level playing field.”

He acknowledged that ensuring equal opportunities for all contestants is not possible for the EC alone. Rather it requires cooperation from the media, law enforcement agencies, political parties, candidates, voters and the public.

CEC Nasir laid emphasis on the role of the media in tackling misinformation and disinformation during the electoral process.

To expand voting accessibility, Nasir announced that an IT-supported postal ballot system is being introduced for Bangladeshi expatriates, describing it as a hybrid model. Postal voting will also be available for law enforcement members, polling officials and detainees under lawful custody.