Constitution's Article 70 will be amended: Home minister
Salahuddin Ahmed says the next presidential election will be held under the amended provision.
The government is moving forward to amend Article 70 of the Constitution, and the next presidential election will be held under the amended provision, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said today (20 August).
Bangladesh is holding a constitutionally competitive presidential election after nearly 35 years, with an opposition candidate in the race, he said while talking to reporters on the parliament premises before casting his vote in the presidential election.
He said such competition was important for democracy and should continue in future. "Through competitive elections, the people will see a practical reflection of the democratic practice they expect."
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Under the existing Article 70, if an MP leaves the party that nominated him or votes against the party in parliament, he will lose their seat. However, he can contest another parliamentary election later.
The provision has long been at the centre of political and constitutional debate over the extent of lawmakers' freedom to vote independently in parliament.
Asked about the government's initiative to amend the Constitution, the home minister said the opposition had not yet joined the committee formed for the purpose.
However, the process of amending Article 70 was already underway within the government and would be implemented in the future, he said.
If the proposed amendment to Article 70 passes, MPs will be able to vote against the party except for confidence votes and money bills.
