ICT Amendment Ordinance: Accused deemed ineligible to contest elections
According to sources at the Law Ministry, the primary objective of the amendment is to ensure that individuals accused of committing international crimes cannot hold any state responsibility while under trial
The government has issued the third amendment to the International Crimes Tribunal (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, disqualifying individuals from contesting national or local elections or holding any public office once formal charges are submitted against them.
The amendment to the ordinance was issued yesterday (6 October).
A new section, 20C, has also been added to the amended ordinance.
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Under this provision, any individual formally indicted by the tribunal will be deemed ineligible in four key areas: becoming a Member of Parliament, being appointed as a member, commissioner, chairman, mayor or administrator of any local government body and holding any position in government service.
The ordinance, however, clarifies that the disqualifications will no longer apply if an accused is acquitted or discharged by the tribunal.
According to sources at the Law Ministry, the primary objective of the amendment is to ensure that individuals accused of committing international crimes cannot hold any state responsibility while under trial.
It also seeks to prevent controversial figures from occupying important public positions in the future.
