Desk Report: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal on Sunday said that the submission of nomination papers online will reduce violations of the electoral code of conduct and make the whole process smoother.

“There is a showdown while submitting the nomination papers. This showdown has become a political culture. This violates the electoral code of conduct and may lead to conflict. If the nomination submission process is done online, these crimes will be reduced; the election system will be easier and more fair,” said the CEC.

Before announcing the poll schedule for the 12th Parliamentary election, the Election Commission (EC) inaugurated the “Online Nomination Submission System (ONSS) and Smart Election Management App” on Sunday.

The CEC said these things while officially inaugurating the app in the auditorium of the Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon.

Addressing the representatives of various parties attending the event, he said that online nominations are for all candidates and candidates of political parties. The Smart Election App is for common people. It should be widely publicized, and people should be encouraged to use it.

Regarding the online submission of nomination papers, CEC also said that it is very easy to use. “We have used online submission in several by-elections, it is not difficult. The world is moving forward, and we must also move forward through technology. It will be very modern.”

Emphasizing the importance of submitting nomination papers online, he said that political showdowns are staged while submitting nomination papers, which has become a culture. Sometimes, leaders and activists engage in conflict while submitting the nomination; sometimes, many nomination seekers face obstruction while others face political pressure. Online submission can make the entire election management process easier and more fair.

Regarding casting votes online, CEC said: “The system has not been introduced anywhere in the world. But currently, India is trying online voting through mobile while staying at home. If they are successful, it can be introduced in Bangladesh.”

Election Commissioner Ahsan Habib urged candidates and voters to use the online system and app in the 12th parliamentary elections.

By launching the app, the commission has also joined the journey of Smart Bangladesh in election management through the use of technology, he added.

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