UNDP suggests stronger EC
The UNDP has recommended strengthening the Election Commission further, saying it still requires resources and systems as well as the capacity to enforce electoral laws and rules strictly.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) made a 5-point recommendation for Bangladesh in a new study report released from its Asia-Pacific Regional Centre in Bangkok on Wednesday.
All political parties should refrain from personal attacks on one another and from delivering provocative speeches. They should follow the electoral code of conduct and the representation of the people order, suggested the document.
According to the report, the EC still requires resources and systems in place to verify or investigate the expenditure filings of candidates. The commission should develop a mechanism to monitor the electoral expenditure of the candidates and parties and take due legal action in case of any violation.
The electoral body should set examples by disqualifying candidates, if applicable, for violating electoral norms and rules, insisted the study.
A 25-page investigation on the electoral processes in seven countries of South and South East Asia styled "Understanding Electoral Violence in Asia" studied electioneering in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines and Thailand. It made policy, legislative and institutional-level recommendations to reduce the risk of electoral violence.
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