We're committed to hold free, fair, and acceptable elections: CEC

Reform is an ongoing process. Some reforms are imperative for holding an election. A fair, impartial and acceptable election will be arranged on completion of some reforms, said Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Sunday (November 24) afternoon.

Speaking to reporters after taking oath at Supreme Court Judges' Lounge, he said their intentions were sincere and elections would be held only after some reforms.

However, he said, "Specific date and time for holding the next general elections cannot be said right now. Let me take over my responsibilities first."

The newly appointed CEC, along with four Election Commissioners (ECs), were officially sworn-in at the Supreme Court Judges' Lounge.

"I consider this responsibility as a major opportunity in my life. Country's people are denied of their voting rights. They have  struggled for a free, fair and impartial election for a long time. Many of them also laid down their lives to get their voting rights back. I am committed to hold a free, fair and acceptable election, and I will do this employing all of my efforts," he said.

Nasir Uddin said: "I have self-confidence that I will be able to do it. There is a very powerful team with me at the Election Commission. We will offer a peaceful election to the nation in cooperation with the countrymen and political parties."

At that time, he was asked whether the elections would be held right after the reforms, Nasir Uddin said, "Reform is an ongoing process. But, some reforms are imperative to hold the election."

The new CEC said, "We need to include the young generation in the voters' lists since they have been eagerly waiting year after year to cast their ballots. We need some reforms here. We expect to receive the recommendations to carry out reforms as the Election Reform Commission is working in this regard."

Nasir Uddin said election will be organized along with all political parties. "Please, keep faith in us. Our intentions are good. We want to go ahead with the political parties which have been demanding people's voting rights over the last 15 to 16 years. We will extend our all-out cooperation to materialize their demands. We are committed to the nation."

Former Civil Aviation Secretary AMM Nasir Uddin was appointed as the Chief Election Commissioner on Thursday. Along with him, the names of the four Election Commissioners were also announced. 

The four Election Commissioners are: former additional secretary Anwarul Islam Sarkar, retired district and sessions judge Abdur Rahmanel Masud, former joint secretary Tahmida Ahmed, and Brigadier General (retd) Abul Fazal Mohammad Sanaullah.

They were appointed by President Md Sahabuddin as per the Article 118(1) of the Constitution.