Md Abdul Alim

Elections are of paramount importance to a country’s quality of democratic governance.

As per statistics of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, out of 178 countries of the world where elections are held, e-voting is currently being used, partially or wholly, in the national elections of only 28 countries.

The 13th Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh, led by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal, assumed office at a time when election credibility in Bangladesh is under question.

Like all other sectors and spheres of activity, elections and democracy have become the victims of Covid-19 since its outbreak earlier this year.

On March 9, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced Lok Sabha polls to be held in seven phases on April 11, 18, 23, 29, and

The UN Resolution 347180 (1979) states that “the peace and welfare of the world require maximum participation of women on equal terms with men in all fields.”

The term “no votes” is defined as the “option to choose not to vote for any political candidate in an election”.

We need an EC which is truly independent from all aspects; this independence does not only mean structural independence, but operational and financial independence along with individual independence of the election commissioners.