SHARIATPUR, May 20, 2022 (BSS) - Mentioning that the main goal of the 
Election Commission is to conduct free and fair election, Election 
Commissioner Md Anisur Rahman today said they are not concerned about the 
participants in the upcoming general elections. 

"Elections will not be cancelled for anyone....We want all parties' 
participation in the elections," he said. 

"The next general national election will be free, fair and impartial. We will 
continue efforts to ensure participation of those political parties. We have 
39 registered political parties and we will talk each party. It is difficult 
to say whether they will take part in the elections or not," he added. 

The election commissioner camp up with the remarks after the inaugural 
ceremony of updating voter lists and distribution of smart cards at district 
election office this afternoon.

Responding to a question, about the upcoming national elections and 
electronic voting machine (EVM), "We are yet ready or able to hold elections 
in 300 seats with electronic voting machines (EVMs)." 

"We have seen that there are different pros and cons about EVMs. These are 
the things we are trying to solve," he said.

Faridpur Regional Election Officer (Joint-Secretary) Mostafa Faruk, District 
Awami League President and District Council Administrator Chabedur Rahman 
Khoka Sikder, Superintendent of Police SM Ashrafuzzaman, District Council 
Secretary Shamim Hossain, Shariatpur Municipality Mayor Parvez Rahman Jan, 
among others, were present on the occasion with Deputy Commissioner Md. 
Parvez Hasan in the chair.