EC Seeks Restoration of Power to Cancel Entire Constituency’s Vote — Commissioner Sanaullah

Shakil Ahmed | PNN | Dhaka: The Election Commission (EC) has sought the restoration of its authority to suspend or cancel the results of an entire parliamentary constituency if electoral irregularities are reported.

At present, the EC is only empowered to cancel or suspend voting at specific polling stations where allegations of irregularities are proven. However, it does not have the legal authority to annul the results of an entire constituency, even if widespread irregularities are suspected.

According to EC officials, a formal proposal has recently been sent to the government requesting that the commission be granted back its earlier authority to cancel an entire constituency's election result when necessary.

Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd.) Abul Fazl Md. Sanaullah expressed hope, stating: “We believe the government will reinstate the Election Commission’s previous authority in this regard.”

He made this comment on Thursday (July 10) while speaking to journalists following a Commission meeting held at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka.An EC source further mentioned that restoring this power is essential to ensure transparency, good governance, and public confidence in the electoral process.