JASOD seeks permanent system for EC formation

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal(JASOD) today proposed introduction of a permanent system to constitute the Election Commission (EC) as it joined the discussion with President Abdul Hamid as part of his initiative to consult political parties on the issue.

"JASOD proposed introduction of a permanent system for formation of EC," President`s press secretary Joynal Abedin told a media briefing after the hour-long talks at Bangabhaban Darbar Hall.

JASOD president and Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu led a 12-member delegation of the party which also urged the president to constitute a search committee comprising people having belief in the spirit of Liberation War to propose names to form the new commission.

"They said the search committee and the commission should comprise people having faith the 1971 spirit and fundamentals of the constitution," Abedin said.

The party leaders also requested the President to include women in both the search committee and the EC.

He said, JASOD, partner of Awami League-led 14-party coalition, made the suggestions as part of a seven-point proposal as it called on the president.

President Hamid initiated the formal talks with the registered political parties regarding formation of a new EC formation as the tenure of the Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad-led current commission expires in February next.

Inu, Abedin said, told the President that his initiative for talks was a time-befitting one and expressed hoped that the President would be able to form a strong EC through the discussions.

During the discussion, President Hamid said the JASOD`s opinions would help in constituting a strong commission.

"Election is indispensible for a democratic process and the help of political parties would ensure formation of a strong EC," Abedin quoted the president as saying during the meeting.

Secretaries concerned to the President were present.

Source : BSS