EC issues gazette confirming election, referendum on same day
It states that voters will be asked a specific question regarding the implementation order of the July National Charter (Constitution Reform), 2025. Voters will select either Yes or No.
The Election Commission (EC) has issued a gazette notification saying the upcoming national election and the referendum on the July Charter will take place on the same day.
The commission issued the notice yesterday (29 November), signed by Md Ruhul Amin Mallik, director (public relations) and information officer at the EC Secretariat.
It states that voters will be asked a specific question regarding the implementation order of the July National Charter (Constitution Reform), 2025. Voters will select either Yes or No.
The referendum question will ask voters: "Do you agree to the implementation order of the July National Charter (Constitution Reform), 2025 and the following proposed constitutional reforms recorded in the July National Charter?" (Yes/No).
The proposals are:
- During the election period, a caretaker government, the Election Commission, and other constitutional bodies will be formed according to the process described in the July Charter.
- The next parliament will be bicameral. A 100-member upper chamber will be formed based on parties' proportional votes, and constitutional amendments will require approval from the majority of upper chamber members.
- Implementation of 30 proposals agreed by political parties in the July Charter, including increasing women's representation in parliament, election of deputy speaker and parliamentary committee chairpersons from the opposition, limiting the prime minister's term, expanding presidential powers, enhancing fundamental rights, ensuring judicial independence, and local government reforms.
- Other reforms described in the July Charter will be implemented according to parties' commitments.
