NN Online:
A majority of political parties participating in the National Consensus Commission’s second round of talks have voiced support for introducing an Electoral College system to elect the President, replacing the current method.
The meeting, held Thursday at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, saw discussions around three proposed models—all within the framework of an Electoral College.
Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, said one model proposes a bicameral legislature with 100 seats reserved for women, forming a 500-member voting body across both houses. An additional 76 votes from Zila Parishads and City Corporations were also proposed to broaden representation.
“We endorse an expanded Electoral College system,” said Taher. “We’ve also called for the presidential vote to be conducted through secret ballots—just as Jamaat’s internal elections are.”
Gono Adhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur noted ongoing debates about the Electoral College’s composition. “Some parties want Union Parishads included, which would add around 70,000 votes to the existing 576,” he said.
Nur criticized perceived bias by the Commission. “Favoritism towards certain parties still exists. That must be corrected. Moreover, the inclusion of several Awami League allies undermines neutrality. We will not support any alignment with fascist forces.”
Jonayed Saki, Chief Coordinator of Gonosonghoti Andolon, also backed the proposal. “We support the Electoral College model and are open to compromises to reach a consensus,” he stated.
Most participating parties agreed the process would be more effective if Article 70 of the Constitution were amended and if the presidential vote was held through secret ballots. They also stressed the importance of a more balanced distribution of power between the President and the Prime Minister.
