Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin today said the Election Commission (EC) is moving ahead centering the two datelines given by the interim government for the national elections.

“The interim government has given two deadlines for election, by December or by June next year if there is a major reform,” he said while exchanging views with district administration officials in Cox's Bazar this afternoon.

Nasir hoped that the final voter list for the next national polls will be available by June this year.

He said that the EC wants to hold a free, fair and neutral election. This election will be credible and internationally acceptable like 1991, 1996 and 2001, he said, adding that everyone's involvement and cooperation is needed in this regard.

Replying to a question whether local government polls or the national election would be held first, he said it is a debate between political parties and the Election Commission does not want to go into the debate. 

“For now, the Election Commission's first goal is to prepare an accurate voter list. There are 16 lakh dead voters. They need to be excluded," the CEC said.

The CEC said the Election Commission will not give any unfair pressure or make any unfair decisions.

He said the EC wants to place its trust in those who will perform impartial election duties in the current administration.

Nasir Uddin instructed those who will be in charge of election duties to work in accordance with the law, assuring them of giving all supports. 

Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Salahuddin presided over the meeting where Cox’s Bazar police super and election officers of Chattogram region, among others, were present at the event.