Voting for reserved women's seats on 12 May
Detailed schedule to be announced on 8 April.
The Election Commission has announced that the voting for the 50 reserved women's seats of the 13th Parliament will take place on 12 May.
However, further details about the schedule including nomination submission deadlines, withdrawal deadlines will be announced on 8 April.
Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed disclosed the information to journalists today (6 April) following a commission meeting where several key issues—including election cases, the future of electronic voting machines (EVMs), and local government elections—were discussed..
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Results of two constituencies on hold
The EC secretary said that since the 12 February national election, a total of 50 election-related cases have been filed. Although election materials are typically preserved for at least one year under the Representation of the People Order (RPO), the commission has instructed that materials related to these constituencies be retained until the cases are resolved.
Additionally, results for Chattogram-2 and Chattogram-4 constituencies remain suspended following court orders. Decisions on these two seats will be taken based on further directives from the court.
By-elections in Sherpur and Bogura
By-elections in Sherpur-3 and Bogura-6 constituencies are scheduled for 9 April. After reviewing the situation, the commission said the environment is currently normal, and there is no reason for voters or the public to feel concerned. Law enforcement agencies are actively engaged, and the elections are being treated with the same importance as the 12 February polls.
Uncertainty over EVM use
Responding to questions about whether EVMs will be used in local government elections, the EC secretary said no policy decision has yet been made.
Regarding allegations of financial irregularities and manipulation in EVM procurement, he said investigations are underway by the Anti-Corruption Commission, the audit department, and a probe committee. He added that it would not be appropriate to comment further while the investigation is ongoing, and steps will be taken after the report is received.
Other decisions
The commission has extended the deadline for candidates to submit election expense reports by one more month. A committee has been formed to review the 2022 policy on compensation for those injured or killed while performing election duties, with plans to include provisions for long-term illness and emergency medical support.
The EC will also organise workshops and seminars based on reports from 80 domestic election observer organisations. Practical recommendations may be incorporated through legal amendments if necessary.
To make National Voters' Day more meaningful, another committee led by an additional secretary has been formed, the EC secretary added.
