70pc of election materials procured: EC Secretary

Staff Reporter :

As part of preparations for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, 70 percent of the required election materials have already been procured, said Akhtar Ahmed, Senior Secretary of the Election Commission (EC) Secretariat.

He expressed hope that the remaining necessary materials would arrive within the current month of September.

At a briefing held on Thursday at the Election Bhaban in city’s Agargaon area, he informed reporters that essential election supplies-such as marking seals, gala, transparent ballot box locks, and hessian bags-have already arrived at the Commission’s warehouse.
He said, “About 70 percent of the procurement has been completed. The remaining purchases will also be completed within September. All materials will arrive on time as per demand.”

The secretary mentioned that two important items-stamp pads and indelible ink-will be supplied by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). UNDP has pledged to hand these over by October 15. A portion of these will arrive this month, while the rest will reach next month. This will ensure the use of indelible ink on voters’ fingers on Election Day.

He also informed that eight items are being procured from the local market. These are: gala, transparent ballot box locks, official seals, marking seals, brass seals, large hessian bags, small hessian bags, and gunny bags. Around 70 percent of these items have already arrived, and the remaining will be delivered in September.

Providing reassurance, he said, “We have no concerns regarding election materials. We will be able to complete all preparations within the timeframe we set. All election materials will reach the field level before the polls.”

According to the EC’s announced work plan, the distribution of election materials at the field level will be carried out between September 16 and November 16. This will include ballot papers, ballot boxes, seals, ink, and all other equipment required for conducting the vote.

The EC Secretary added that if materials are delivered on time, no obstacles will arise in conducting the election. He expressed hope that this would help ensure the fairness and transparency of the polls.