Scrutinising election officials

EDITORIAL

Isn't the police acting beyond its writ?

That the police is gathering background information about potential polling officials, who would oversee the forthcoming election, and their families, is surprising. The move is not only an overstretch of responsibility of the police, it has also caused discomfort among these officials.

We understand that the Election Commission has sent no instruction to the police to do so. Yet, the local police in many districts have gone about obtaining the list of probable polling officers and launched inquiry into their personal backgrounds including their political affiliation.

As explained by Rafiqul Islam, one of the election commissioners, to Prothom Alo, it is not the police's responsibility to seek such information. It is the exclusive right and authority of the returning officer to appoint public officials as polling officers.

We wonder why the police is carrying out such unauthorised query. What has prompted the police to do this on a priority basis? The fact that the police in many parts of the country is doing the same job suggests it's being coordinated. We are, therefore, curious about the purpose of this exercise.

Given its obscure nature, such informal investigation must be halted for the sake of a credible election devoid of administrative influence. All actions related to the election should be under the order of the officials appointed by the EC. The EC should instruct the police to refrain from devoting time and resources to something beyond its purview.

• Courtesy: The Daily Star/ Nov 18, 2018