MPs must resign before contesting as independent candidates? EC Rashida statement raises confusion
“You all know, MPs have to resign if they want to run as independent candidates. It says so in the law,” she said during a media briefing today in Rajshahi.
In a statement which has spread confusion in political quarters, Election Commissioner Rashida Sultana said current MPs aiming to run as independent candidates must step down from their present positions.
"You all know, MPs have to resign if they want to run as independent candidates. It says so in the law," she said during a media briefing today in Rajshahi.
However, citing the constitution, former election commissioner Kabita Khanam on Tuesday (28 November) told The Business Standard that Members of Parliament (MPs) are not required to resign to participate in parliamentary elections.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
She also explained that after the announcement of the election schedule, the parliament limits its operation to routine work.
However, while MPs are not obliged to resign, they will not be entitled to have any government benefits for their electioneering, clarified the former EC.
At the press conference in Rajshahi, Rashida also claimed that there was no pressure from foreigners in regard to the upcoming national election.
"The more foreign observers, including the European Union, come, the more transparent the election will be," she said.
Earlier on 27 November, Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal said, "It is unfortunate that outside forces are trying to influence our election. If we want to protect our economy, and our future, the election must be fair, acceptable and credible. That is why we want a free, fair and credible election."
Addressing members of the election inquiry committee at the opening ceremony of a workshop on electoral rules and code of conduct at the Electoral Training Institute, he said the political division in the country over the election is undesirable.
Mentioning that the country is in a crisis over the election, he said, "We have to get out of here."
He said the foreign countries' only demand is that the elections in Bangladesh should be free, fair and credible.
"We want to see undisputed results in the elections. All agents should accept the results," he added.
A four-member team of experts from the European Union is expected arrive in Bangladesh soon to monitor the 12th Jatiya Sangsad national elections, the foreign ministry said today.
Meanwhile, responding to enquiries about potential alterations in the election schedule, the EC Rashida stressed that BNP needs to participate within the specified timeframe.
If they decide to join, the commission will disclose its stance, she noted.
In response to a question, EC Rashida clarified that it's not the Election Commission's role to increase the voter turnout.
"It is the candidates who will bring the voters. The commission's job is to ensure an environment where people can practise their franchise freely," she asserted.
The event was attended by regional election officers from Rajshahi, district election officers from Rajshahi, Natore, Pabna, and Chapainawabganj, alongside district administrators, upazila executive officers, and high-ranking officials from police, RMP, Ansar, and various intelligence agencies.
