EC moves on presidential poll

The Election Commission (EC) has begun formal preparations for the presidential election, with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin set to meet the Acting Speaker before the election schedule is announced, in line with constitutional and legal requirements.

The decision was taken at a meeting held at Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon on Sunday to review the legal provisions governing the election of the President.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said the Commission would seek an appointment with the Acting Speaker as part of the statutory process.

“As per tradition, the Chief Election Commissioner meets the Speaker before the announcement of the Presidential election,” he said.

Barrister Kayser Kamal is currently serving as Acting Speaker after Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad assumed the responsibilities of Acting President following the resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Friday.

Under Article 54 of the Constitution, the Speaker performs the functions of the President until a new President is elected. During that period, Article 74(3) provides that the Deputy Speaker shall discharge the duties of the Speaker.

The EC reviewed the relevant constitutional and legal provisions at Sunday’s meeting and decided that the CEC would consult the Acting Speaker before announcing the election schedule.

According to the Presidential Election Act, 1991, the Election Commission is required to consult the Speaker before issuing the election schedule.

If Parliament is in session, the Commission must issue the election notification at least seven days before the polling date.

If Parliament is not in session, the Commission, in consultation with the Speaker, must convene a meeting of Members of Parliament at least seven days before the election.

As part of the electoral process, the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat will provide the Commission with the list of Members of Parliament.

The EC will then prepare and publish the electoral roll before announcing the election schedule.

The Article 123(2) of the Constitution stipulates that an election to fill a vacancy created by the death, resignation or removal of the President must be completed within 90 days of the vacancy arising.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin will serve as the Returning Officer for the presidential election, which will be conducted through voting by Members of Parliament.

Under the Presidential Election Act, a presidential candidate’s nomination paper must be proposed by one Member of Parliament and seconded by another.

The candidate securing the highest number of votes will be declared elected by the Chief Election Commissioner. In the event of a tie, the result will be decided by a lottery, and the CEC’s declaration will be final.