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Election Commission an independent constitutional body entrusted with the responsibility of holding national and local government elections. It announces schedules of elections, delimits constituencies, prepares electoral rolls, supervises elections, announces election results and establishes election tribunals to settle election disputes. Part VII of the constitution of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh defines the composition, powers and functions of the Election Commission.
The Bangladesh constitution provides that "there shall be an Election Commission consisting of a Chief Election Commissioner and such number of other Election Commissioners, if any, as the President may from time to time direct." At present, the Election Commission consists of three members including the Chief Election Commissioner. The Election Commission is constitutionally oath-bound to ensure free and fair elections to the office of President of the Republic, and to Jatiya Sangsad and local government bodies. The Election Commission maintains close relations with all political parties. On matters of election schedule, election process and overall arrangements for elections, dialogue is initiated with all political parties. Discussion on issues relating to voter registration, preparation and updating of electoral rolls and relevant matters is also held with contesting political parties. [Mohammad Ehsan]
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