EC Plans First-Phase Elections in 1,050 Union Parishads

The Election Commission (EC) is planning to hold the first phase of general elections in around 1,050 union parishads across the country. It is also considering building a National Identity Card (NID) database using information collected when children enrol in primary school, beginning at the age of six.

EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed disclosed the plans while speaking to journalists at the Election Commission building on Sunday (November 8).

Regarding the union parishad elections, he said the first phase would cover 1,050 unions, prioritising those whose elected bodies have already completed their terms.

“We are preparing to hold elections in around 1,050 union parishads in the first phase. Union parishads whose terms have expired are being prioritised,” he said.

The EC is also considering collecting personal information from children from the age of six to build an NID database.

“We are discussing the possibility of registering information for NID purposes from the age of six. We plan to build a database using the information provided when children enter primary school,” Akhtar said.

He also said the EC would not use electronic voting machines (EVMs) in the upcoming elections.

The commission has begun a final stocktaking process of the machines before deciding how to dispose of them. He said a decision on the disposal method would be announced after receiving recommendations.