Candidates cannot contest more than 3 constituencies at once: EC

The Election Commission (EC) issued a circular stating that no individual can contest in more than three constituencies at the same time in the 13th National Parliamentary Election.

Under Article 13(a) of the Representation of the People Order, 1972, if any individual contests in more than three constituencies at the same time, all of their nomination papers will be considered cancelled, according to a circular signed by EC Deputy Secretary Md Monir Hossain today (12 December).

In addition, chairmen of upazilas, districts and union parishads; mayors of city corporations and municipalities; relevant officials of various government, autonomous, semi‑autonomous or government‑funded offices, institutions, corporations or authorities; and contract‑based employees in Bangladesh missions abroad must resign according to the rules if they wish to contest as candidates, reads the circular.

The circular also gives detailed instructions on managing candidates' election expenses. It states that under Article 44(b) of the Representation of the People Order 1972, every election agent (or the candidate themselves if no agent is appointed) must open a separate account in a scheduled bank. All election-related expenses, except personal costs, must be paid from this account.

The circular further states that any person holding a state profit‑bearing post cannot contest in the national parliamentary election. If someone holds a full‑time position in the government or in any government‑controlled institution, that position will be considered a "profit‑bearing post," and such individuals will be disqualified from contesting the election.