‘EC to recommend amendments to resolve complexities’

Staff Reporter :

The Election Commission (EC) will suggest amendments to the existing Delimitation of Constituencies Ordinance, 1976 to the government for resolving prevailing complexities, said Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah.

He made the comments while briefing the reporters at Nirbachan Bhavan (EC headquarter) at Agargaon in the capital on Thursday.

Following a commission meeting, Sanaullah informed reporters that the EC aims to address the issues within the current delimitation law and will submit amendment proposals to the government.

“The commission already has directed its relevant committee to present the preparation details for this proposal at the next meeting,” he added.

Additionally, the commissioner mentioned that further research and review will be conducted on the Voter List Act, 2009 before presenting opinions to the commission.

He said the responsibility to review voter list laws has been assigned to a relevant committee. “The EC is also awaiting the final report from the reform commission regarding election system reforms.”

Regarding the delimitation law, Sanaullah said, “The current law prioritises population-based considerations for delimitation. However, we believe it should also take into account geographical size, location, and the latest census report.”

He further pointed out a clerical error in one of the sub-sections of the law, saying, “There is a typographical error in one of the sub-sections, which implies that the commission has no authority in this matter. That should not be the case.

“We will formally highlight this issue and request necessary amendments.”
When asked whether the EC would send its recommendations to the law ministry, Sanaullah said, “First, we will discuss this within the commission. If the commission deems it necessary, we will send our recommendations, particularly regarding errors.”