"If they [opposition parties] refuse to accept me, I shall try to convince them that I am above politics," Justice MA Aziz said in an interview with The Daily Star at his Supreme Court office yesterday. "I never did politics in my life. I am above politics."

Justice Aziz, a judge of the Appellate Division, said he does not have any political ambition. "I do not understand politics...I would not want to be an MP (member of parliament), even if anyone says I do not need money to become an MP."

"I was appointed a High Court judge when no political party was in power. It was during the neutral and nonpartisan caretaker government's regime in 1996. The Awami League government had confirmed my services. Therefore my appointment is not a political one -- it was done through consensus," he argued.The new CEC said, "During my tenure, I want to ensure free, fair and impartial elections which will be acceptable to all."

Asked what he will do if Awami League does not accept him on the grounds that the ruling party did not appoint him through discussion with other parties, Aziz said, "I shall try to convince them........I am nobody's enemy."

"It is a political culture of our country that the government [unilaterally] appoints the CEC," Aziz pointed out. "But this should change. This should take place through negotiation. Our country lacks the negotiation culture. This should be developed."

On how would he deal with problems of black money and violence, which typically influence elections, and whether he thinks it is necessary to discuss these issues with the two main political parties to find out solutions, the new CEC replied in the affirmative. "It is necessary to hold discussion with them. I shall try as per my capacity."

"The country is now passing through a crisis....Black money and muscle power are the dominating forces now. Human qualities and ethics are absent. Tolerance, which is the prerequisite for democracy, has withered," he observed.

"In such a situation the CEC has huge responsibilities," Aziz said. "It is not possible to do such huge task without cooperation of the main political parties, journalists and the people."

Aziz said full cooperation of the main political parties and the media is essential to eliminate false voting, irregularities and corruption in vote counting, tampering with results and other election irregularities.

Aziz said he will be guided by the constitution, ethics and his conscience in discharging his duty as the CEC. "In the face of all adversities, I will do what I think right and reasonable," he added.

Asked to comment on his predecessor MA Syed's six-point proposal for reforms of the Election Commission and electoral system, Aziz said, "I have not seen his suggestions. I shall decide my course of action after seeing them."

The government informed Aziz about his appointment as the CEC Sunday night. He however went to court as usual yesterday morning and worked for 10-15 minutes. In the evening, he took his oath as the new CEC.