Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Thursday warned that the Election Commission (EC) could lose its neutrality if political parties fail to cooperate in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.

The political parties are the players in this election, and the Commission wants to play the role of a neutral referee. But if the players do not cooperate, the neutrality of the referee will be at risk, and the election may become questionable,” the CEC told reporters following a meeting with representatives of registered political parties in the morning.

Nasir Uddin emphasised that no political party is considered small in the eyes of the Commission.

Regarding election posters, the CEC said, “Although the Election Commission has banned posters, Dhaka city is still covered with them. It would be decent if the parties themselves remove the posters. There will be no leniency in cases of violation of the electoral code of conduct.”

He also acknowledged that the Commission is facing various pressures as it prepares to hold the election under what he described as a “special situation and a special government.”

The CEC urged all stakeholders to extend greater cooperation than before, adding that the misuse of social media during the election period has become a serious concern.