"It's a massive task. We have just started examining the election laws. After a few days, we will be able to say how much time will be needed to complete the task," Chief Election Commissioner ATM Shamsul Huda told reporters yesterday after an EC meeting that started the review of the existing election laws.

"Our only objective is to proceed with the process for holding a free and fair election. We are not sure how much time the process will take," the CEC said replying to a query about a tentative timetable for holding the next parliamentary election.

The EC at its first review meeting yesterday took up the review of Representation of the People Order 1972 that contains 95 provisions and a large number of sub-provisions. The EC reviewed 12 provisions of the order yesterday and will continue discussions to prepare a set of draft proposals for reforms. The commission is also considering the recommendations from different civil society bodies and election watchdogs.

The CEC said a draft will be prepared after reviewing the election laws and the recommendations from the civil society and different organisations. Then the EC will consult with the caretaker government, political parties and the civil society seeking their opinion, he added.

"After considering their [political parties and the civil society] opinions, we will finalise the draft and send it to the law ministry for changes in the laws," said Huda, who was appointed on February 4 as the new CEC following resignation of MA Aziz from the post.

The EC in a news release yesterday said it is proceeding with an action plan for holding a free and 'meaningful' election and it is considering reforming all election laws on a priority basis.

"The required time will be taken to complete the task," the release said.

Regarding other election laws and rules, the EC news release said those will also be examined and decisions will be taken.

After reviewing Representation of the People Order 1972, the EC will start reviewing the Political Party Registration Act and Electoral Roll Ordinance, the CEC said.

Referring to his predecessors' moves for electoral reforms, Huda said it is unfortunate that only a small number of proposals for reforms had been brought. "We are optimistic, we will be able to bring necessary reforms," he said. Emphasising the need for implementation of the laws, the CEC said there are many election laws, but there is a lack of enforcement.

About the recommendations from the civil society, the CEC said the EC received a large number of suggestions regarding electoral reforms which include separation of the EC Secretariat from the Prime Minister's Office, and disqualification of black money holders.

Replying to a query, the CEC said the EC is thinking about introducing transparent ballot boxes in the election.

>b>VOTER LIST
The CEC said there are some options regarding the voter list, like a voter list with photographs or voter identity cards or national identity cards.

"We will take a decision after examining all options," the CEC added.

About the army's offer to consider their expertise in preparing voter identity cards, Huda said the army is highly professional and very efficient, and they have the required expertise.

"We have no reservation in seeking assistance from the army," he said.

The EC had moved to introduce voter identity cards for the first time in 1994-95, but failed. "We want to succeed," the new CEC said.