EC backtracks on union parishad election schedule
Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah talks to journalists on Thursday. Photo: Agamir Somoy
Disagreements between the government and the Election Commission (EC) became evident following the EC's announcement last week that Union Parishad (UP) elections would begin on November 12 across seven phases.
Amid this friction, Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah said on Thursday that it cannot be confirmed at this stage whether the elections can actually commence in November.
He made these remarks to journalists following an inter-ministerial meeting. Notably, it was Commissioner Sanaullah who had announced on September 14 that the UP elections would held in seven phases starting November 12.
The Election Commission is not directly responsible for initiating local government elections; it organizes them upon request from the government.
Following the EC's initial scheduling announcement, State Minister for Local Government Shahe Alam said that his ministry had not been informed about the decision. (details to follow)
