EC recommends proxy voting for expatriates
The commission would consult experts from institutions such as Dhaka University and Buet and seek their opinions between 7 and 8 April
Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah has said the Election Commission (EC) has recommended proxy voting for expatriate Bangladeshis in the upcoming national parliamentary elections.
Speaking to journalists at the EC building in Dhaka's Agargaon today (11 March), he said, "If we want to fulfil the expectations of expatriate voters for the upcoming elections, we have to move towards proxy voting."
The commission plans to consult experts from institutions such as Dhaka University, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet), and the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) between 7 and 8 April.
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It will also seek opinions from political parties before making a final decision. A workshop is scheduled for early April, inviting experts from universities, the Election Reform Commission, former EC officials, and NGOs.
Proxy voting, which allows a designated person to cast a ballot on behalf of another, is a recognised system in several countries, including England and Australia. In India, it is only available for members of the armed forces.
Sanaullah said that the chief adviser, in his address to the nation on 16 December, had stressed ensuring voting rights for expatriate Bangladeshis.
"We want to implement, not just assure. In this light, the EC assigned the relevant committee to propose a solution," he said.
The EC reviewed proposals from the Reform Commission and held discussions with various institutions.
It also sought information from 44 Bangladeshi missions in 34 countries regarding the number of expatriates, recommendations from the missions, and voting arrangements in those countries.
Responses included suggestions for online voting, in-person voting, and postal ballots, though the EC noted that postal ballots are largely obsolete due to time constraints.
"In the last parliamentary elections, 433 votes were cast within the country [through postal ballot]. No expatriate could vote. Because it takes about 40 days. And after the candidate is finalised, there is about 15 days left," Sanaullah explained.
The commissioner noted that online voting has not gained widespread popularity, while proxy voting is already in use in some countries.
"Just as land transactions can be made through power of attorney, voting is also a right that could be exercised in this manner. In Bangladesh, a person can already vote on behalf of the disabled, though this is not the same as proxy voting," he added.
Regarding expatriate voter numbers, Sanaullah stated, "Although we do not have precise data, information from 44 missions suggests around 1.32 crore Bangladeshis live abroad, with approximately 1 crore potentially eligible to vote."
However, only those already on the voter list would be able to cast proxy votes. The EC plans to conduct voter registration activities in 40 countries but remains uncertain about completing the process before the next election.
Addressing the challenges, he said, "We do not currently have a globally accepted system for expatriate voting. A new system must be developed, and we hope to find an effective method. Experts will provide insight into the timeframe required, and by 15 April, we should have a clearer estimate."
If a proxy voting system is approved, legal amendments will be required before implementation.
