EC takes new steps to ensure voting rights for expatriates, holds meeting in Penang

Last Monday (September 15), a meeting was held at the initiative of the Bangladesh High Commission in Kulim, Kedah, Malaysia on the issue of voting rights of expatriates in the national elections. In which expatriate Bangladeshis from Penang, Kedah, Perak and surrounding areas participated. Bangladesh Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam Sarkar was present as the chief guest at the meeting. He distributed national identity cards (smart cards) among the expatriates. Acting High Commissioner of Bangladesh High Commission to Malaysia Moshammat Shahanara Monika was present at the event. At the meeting, the Election Commissioner reiterated the Commission’s strong commitment to organize the upcoming national elections in a fair and impartial manner. He said that an action plan has been taken to hold the elections in the first half of February before Ramadan. He further clarified that the Election Commission will not be influenced by any pressure or influence. Explaining the voting process for expatriates, he said that the Election Commission has planned to introduce ‘IT-assisted postal voting’ for expatriate voters. There will be an opportunity to apply and register online. Ballot papers and return envelopes will be sent to registered voters by post. After voters send their ballots in the envelopes, they will reach the concerned returning officer. He further mentioned that there will also be an opportunity to track the progress of voting online. In his speech, the Acting High Commissioner thanked the Election Commission and said that the High Commission will conduct all kinds of campaigns as per the directives of the Commission to ensure the participation of expatriates in the voting process. Later, in the question and answer session, the Election Commissioner and officials of the High Commission answered various questions related to the national identity cards and passports of expatriates. Representatives of the expatriate community, professionals, representatives of socio-cultural organizations, students and officials of the High Commission were present at the event.