EC eyes Presidential election on Aug 20

The Election Commission (EC) on Thursday announced the timetable for the country’s 23rd presidential election, with voting scheduled for August 20. Members of Parliament (MPs) of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) will cast their votes through a secret ballot system. Political parties are now considering their respective positions in the race.

The EC announced the schedule after the presidency fell vacant following the resignation of President Md Shahabuddin on July 24.

While the political blocs assess their strategies, opposition Jamaat-e-Islami and its 11-party alliance partner, the National Citizen Party (NCP), have yet to decide whether they will nominate or support any candidate.

Jamaat, NCP yet to decide over Presidential candidates

Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Parwar told the Daily Observer that the party would discuss the issue at a meeting on Saturday and take a final decision.

NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain said the party has not yet taken any decision regarding the presidential election.

EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin finalised the schedule after consulting the JS Speaker under Section 5(3) of the Presidential Election Act, 1991.

All election-related activities will be completed at the EC headquarters and the designated venue inside the JS (National Parliament), he added.

According to the EC schedule, nomination papers can be submitted to the Returning Officer between 10am and 4pm on August 13.

The scrutiny of nomination papers will begin at 10am on August 16 at the EC building. Candidates will be allowed to withdraw their nominations until 4pm on August 18.

Voting will be held in the JS session hall from 2pm to 5pm. 

The EC Secretary said the voter list for the presidential election has already been prepared, adding that the Commission will complete the remaining administrative procedures step by step and provide updates to the media when necessary.

Earlier on Thursday morning, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said the JS Secretariat had sent the voter list to the EC, and the election schedule was announced after receiving the list.

CEC AMM Nasir Uddin will serve as the Returning Officer for the election.

Under the Constitution, the JS Speaker will continue to perform the duties of the President until the newly elected President takes office.

As required by law, the CEC held a meeting with the JS Speaker before announcing the schedule.

Only MPs of the 13th JS are eligible to vote in the presidential election.