Small parties being sandwiched between two major parties: CEC
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) ATM Shamsul Huda yesterday asserted that the smaller political parties should institutionally strengthen themselves to flourish proper democracy.
The smaller ones are being sandwiched between two major political parties, from where they should come out for the development of democracy, he said.
Dr Huda said this at the dialogue with Bangladesh National Awami Party (NAP) at the EC secretariat in the city as part of its ongoing dialogue with the 38 registered political parties till July 14.
About strengthening of the commission, he said, "We placed three-point recommendation to the special committee to review the constitution. But they have kept none."
Criticising the committee proposal to appoint five commissioners, the CEC said it would create disagreement in the commission.
A seven-member delegation team led by NAP General Secretary Enamul Haque attended the dialogue while two Election Commissioners M Sahul Hossain and M Shakhawat Hossain, among others, were present.
In a separate dialogue with the Workers Party of Bangladesh led by its President Rashed Khan Menon, the CEC, indicating at BNP, hoped that the main opposition would join the dialogue.
NAP leaders gave support for the introduction of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) in the next general elections, while workers party leaders opined for its introduction in phases.
Both the parties suggested providing electoral campaign instrument instead of giving money in cash from public fund.
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