Saturday, 18 January, 2025
The Election Reform Commission has unveiled a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at transforming Bangladesh’s electoral process. Key proposals include mandatory re-elections in constituencies with voter turnout below 40% and the adoption of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) nationwide.
The report, submitted to Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday, also underscores the necessity of using Electronic Voting Machines, or EVMs. In addition, the commission has proposed the cancellation of elections in constituencies where no candidates contest, as well as the introduction of a “no-vote” option.
Re-Elections for Low Turnout and No-Vote Majority
The commission has suggested cancelling elections in constituencies where voter turnout is less than 40% or where "no-votes" outnumber votes for candidates. A “no-vote” option would also be introduced on ballots to empower voters to reject all candidates.
Election Commission Empowerment
The report recommends expanding the Election Commission’s authority to postpone, cancel, or call re-elections as needed to ensure fairness and transparency.
Candidate Eligibility and Disqualification
Abolishing provisions that allow defaulters, fugitives, or individuals contesting multiple constituencies to run for office, the commission has proposed a new law under Article 66(2)(g) of the Constitution. This law would bar individuals accused of serious offenses, including corruption, human rights violations, and attacks on journalists, from serving as members of parliament.
Structural Reforms to Parliament
Two-Term Limit for Prime Ministers
To curb power centralization, the commission has proposed limiting the prime minister’s tenure to two terms. Additionally, prime ministers who have served two terms would be ineligible to run for the presidency.
Creation of an Upper House
The commission recommends establishing a 100-seat upper house of parliament, with seats allocated proportionally based on parties' vote share in parliamentary elections. Half of the members would be elected from political parties, while the other half would be selected from diverse sectors, including civil society, academia, and marginalized communities.
The upper house would also ensure gender inclusivity, requiring at least 30% female representation among both political and independent members.
Expansion of Lower House
The report proposes increasing the number of seats in the lower house from 300 to 400, with 100 seats reserved for women. These reserved seats would rotate, enabling women to contest elections directly.
Presidential Election Reform
A new system for electing the president through an electoral college comprising members of both houses of parliament and local government representatives has been proposed.
Caretaker Government Revival
Reversing the Awami League government’s abolition of the caretaker system through the 15th amendment, the commission has recommended its reintroduction. The revamped model would limit the caretaker government’s tenure to four months, focusing solely on conducting national and local elections.
The report also calls for establishing a permanent National Constitutional Council to oversee the selection of the caretaker government’s head and its advisors.
Reforms to Local Elections and Party Registration
The commission has emphasized prioritizing local government elections ahead of national polls, mandating these to be non-partisan. Stricter criteria for political party registration have also been proposed, requiring parties to establish offices in at least 10% of districts and 5% of Upazilas, with a minimum membership of 5,000.
Additionally, the commission recommends abolishing the rule that mandates the deregistration of parties failing to contest two consecutive elections.
Voting Access for Expatriates
The report advocates introducing postal voting for expatriates, allowing those registered in the voter list and National ID (NID) system by October to participate in the upcoming December elections. It also suggests implementing online voting in future polls.
Ensuring voting rights for expatriates is considered a crucial step for enacting election reform. If ensured, this will mark the beginning of a new chapter in Bangladesh’s elections and a significant leap forward for the country’s democracy.
Path to Modernization
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus received the report on Wednesday. Commission chief Badiul Alam Majumdar stated that the proposed reforms aim to modernize Bangladesh’s electoral system, promote inclusivity, and strengthen democratic institutions.
With elections approaching, the implementation of these recommendations could mark a pivotal shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape.
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The Election Reform Commission has unveiled a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at transforming Bangladesh’s electoral process. Key proposals include mandatory re-elections in constituencies with voter turnout below 40% and the adoption of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) nationwide.
The report, submitted to Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday, also underscores the necessity of using Electronic Voting Machines, or EVMs. In addition, the commission has proposed the cancellation of elections in constituencies where no candidates contest, as well as the introduction of a “no-vote” option.
Re-Elections for Low Turnout and No-Vote Majority
The commission has suggested cancelling elections in constituencies where voter turnout is less than 40% or where "no-votes" outnumber votes for candidates. A “no-vote” option would also be introduced on ballots to empower voters to reject all candidates.
Election Commission Empowerment
The report recommends expanding the Election Commission’s authority to postpone, cancel, or call re-elections as needed to ensure fairness and transparency.
Candidate Eligibility and Disqualification
Abolishing provisions that allow defaulters, fugitives, or individuals contesting multiple constituencies to run for office, the commission has proposed a new law under Article 66(2)(g) of the Constitution. This law would bar individuals accused of serious offenses, including corruption, human rights violations, and attacks on journalists, from serving as members of parliament.
Structural Reforms to Parliament
Two-Term Limit for Prime Ministers
To curb power centralization, the commission has proposed limiting the prime minister’s tenure to two terms. Additionally, prime ministers who have served two terms would be ineligible to run for the presidency.
Creation of an Upper House
The commission recommends establishing a 100-seat upper house of parliament, with seats allocated proportionally based on parties' vote share in parliamentary elections. Half of the members would be elected from political parties, while the other half would be selected from diverse sectors, including civil society, academia, and marginalized communities.
The upper house would also ensure gender inclusivity, requiring at least 30% female representation among both political and independent members.
Expansion of Lower House
The report proposes increasing the number of seats in the lower house from 300 to 400, with 100 seats reserved for women. These reserved seats would rotate, enabling women to contest elections directly.
Presidential Election Reform
A new system for electing the president through an electoral college comprising members of both houses of parliament and local government representatives has been proposed.
Caretaker Government Revival
Reversing the Awami League government’s abolition of the caretaker system through the 15th amendment, the commission has recommended its reintroduction. The revamped model would limit the caretaker government’s tenure to four months, focusing solely on conducting national and local elections.
The report also calls for establishing a permanent National Constitutional Council to oversee the selection of the caretaker government’s head and its advisors.
Reforms to Local Elections and Party Registration
The commission has emphasized prioritizing local government elections ahead of national polls, mandating these to be non-partisan. Stricter criteria for political party registration have also been proposed, requiring parties to establish offices in at least 10% of districts and 5% of Upazilas, with a minimum membership of 5,000.
Additionally, the commission recommends abolishing the rule that mandates the deregistration of parties failing to contest two consecutive elections.
Voting Access for Expatriates
The report advocates introducing postal voting for expatriates, allowing those registered in the voter list and National ID (NID) system by October to participate in the upcoming December elections. It also suggests implementing online voting in future polls.
Ensuring voting rights for expatriates is considered a crucial step for enacting election reform. If ensured, this will mark the beginning of a new chapter in Bangladesh’s elections and a significant leap forward for the country’s democracy.
Path to Modernization
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus received the report on Wednesday. Commission chief Badiul Alam Majumdar stated that the proposed reforms aim to modernize Bangladesh’s electoral system, promote inclusivity, and strengthen democratic institutions.
With elections approaching, the implementation of these recommendations could mark a pivotal shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape.
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