Govt committed to ensuring EC's independence

Says law minister

29 May 2010, 18:00 PM

Staff Correspondent

The government is committed to ensuring the independence of the Election Commission and strictly maintains the constitutional obligation of non-interference in its affairs, Law Minister Shafique Ahmed said yesterday. The commission is now fully autonomous and is not under the control of any ministry, division or office, he said at the inaugural ceremony of a 'Meeting on Cooperation between Election Commissions of South Asia Region'. The Election Commission (EC) organised the two-day meeting at a city hotel. The meeting of the election commissions of the Saarc countries is aimed at building a forum to exchange information, experiences and innovative technology used effectively in member countries. Speaking as the chief guest, the minister said the government is also committed to assisting the EC in its efforts to improve the election management. The success of democracy absolutely depends on a fair, impartial, transparent and credible election conducted by a strong and independent EC, which is free from any interference from the government or its machinery, he said. The present EC has always been eager to improve election laws and is also trying hard to see that election is conducted without the influence of black money or muscle power, he added. Later talking to reporters, the minister said the government is extending cooperation to the commission to make it strong and credible, so that the countrymen can cast their votes in any election spontaneously. "The elections will always be free, fair and credible, if the Election Commission is made strong in real sense," he said, adding that the elections as well as democracy depends on a strong and honest commission. "We want the commission to have honest and efficient people." About a draft law framed by the commission on appointment of commissioners, he said the government will enact the law, if necessary, after scrutiny. Stressing the need for greater regional cooperation in the area of elections and electoral reforms, the minister said, "We share common problems when it comes to the conduct of elections. It is through regional cooperation that each country can share and search for solutions to the common problems." Chief Election Commissioner Dr ATM Shamsul Huda said developing the election commissions as strong institutions is the overarching theme that has influenced the selection of the topics for discussion in the meeting. Election Commissioners Muhammed Sohul Hussain and M Sakhawat Hussain and UNDP Resident Representative (a.i.) Stefan Priesner also spoke. Workers' Party President Rashed Khan Menon MP, Communist Party of Bangladesh President Manjurul Ahsan Khan, and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Motiur Rahman Nizami and Secretary General Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojaheed were present.