Allegations against election commissioners only to make EC controversial: Kabita Khanam

Allegations against election commissioners made by 42 eminent citizens aimed at only making the Election Commission controversial, said Election Commissioner Kabita Khanam.

"Some people are making various allegations to make the Election Commission controversial, not us. We are still as transparent as we were before, and we have never indulged ourselves into any controversial action in this only five-year tenure," she said.

EC Kabita Khanam was talking to reporters at her office in the EC Bhaban on Thursday.

Recently, 42 eminent citizens made allegations of financial irregularities against the election commissioners.

About the complaints to the President about corruption concerning election training, Kabita Khanam said the trainees have been given honoraria since the training started and are still being given which is approved by the commission.

Regarding the audit objections to the cost of training, she said such objections can come to any institutions. It is not corruption.

"Audits are being conducted to find out that the sector in which I have spent money was spent properly or not," she added.

About the violence in the local government elections, she said law enforcement agencies are vigilant to deal with any issues neutrally.

"However, the violence is much less than before. We have taken all kinds of steps so that the election situation is not disrupted. If the candidates respect the law, then the election environment will be better," she said.

The EC investigated every allegation, Kabita said, adding that there are some issues that are beyond the jurisdiction of the independent constitutional body, and so, "we have made recommendations to the organisations concerned to deal with such issues".

Allegations which appear to be criminal offenses are given to police for filing cases, she continued.

Asked how a second person entered the voting secret chamber, she said, presiding officers remain in charge of the booths and centres, and so if there is any complaint in the name of any presiding officer, he or she will be punished in line with the existing law.

About the upcoming union parishad election, she said the EC will do everything required to maintain a peaceful polls environment.