Dhaka, 21 June 2025 – Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin emphasized today that even the most independent and capable Election Commission (EC) cannot conduct credible national elections without full cooperation from the government, administration, and political stakeholders.
Speaking to reporters at the EC’s Nirbachan Bhaban headquarters, the CEC said that while the EC strives for strict neutrality, achieving fair and free polls remains unattainable without what he referred to as the “political will” and administrative backing from state agencies
“Without the government’s sincere will and cooperation, it may not be possible to make the election successful to the desired extent,” he warned
He underscored that law enforcement, the administration, and broader bureaucracy must act impartially to uphold the commission’s work, and that police or military intervention alone cannot guarantee fairness. Instead, genuine cooperation from political parties and government officials is essential .
Addressing growing concerns about EC’s vulnerability to external influence, the CEC reiterated the importance of safeguarding its autonomy from political interference—describing it as the principal challenge facing the commission . He called on journalists and civil society to remain vigilant, assist in promoting transparency, and hold the EC accountable.
Civil society groups like Transparency International Bangladesh and media watchdogs have previously echoed these sentiments. They argue that meaningful political commitment, systemic reforms, and institutional transparency are all prerequisites for conducting elections that inspire public confidence
What Needs to Happen:
- Strengthened political consensus and dialogue between major parties before and during election cycles.
- Administrative neutrality, ensuring that law enforcement operates free from partisan influence.
- Monitoring mechanisms powered by media and civil society to ensure adherence to electoral laws and codes of conduct.
The President of Bangladesh has likewise echoed the call, urging the EC and government to work together with honesty and integrity to realize free and fair elections under constitutional frameworks.
Outlook:
With national polls anticipated by late 2025 or mid-2026, the spotlight now turns to whether political parties will demonstrate unity and commitment to democratic norms—and whether the government will enable the administrative neutrality necessary for credible elections. Despite the EC emphasizing its preparedness, its warnings highlight that robust elections cannot be achieved through commission efforts alone—they require a cooperative ecosystem encompassing all of government and civil society.
