Electoral Reform Commission receives recommendation to prosecute former ECs who held disputed elections

The Electoral Reform Commission has received a proposal to prosecute former election commissioners for allegedly violating constitutional obligations and oath of office by holding disputed elections, reform commission chairman Badiul Alam Majumdar said.

“Previous election commissions conducted controversial and shameful elections. They violated their oaths and the constitution. Many have suggested that the commissions be prosecuted for their actions,” he told reporters after a meeting with academics and civil society members about the election today (November 24). system reform.

Majumdar said that those who attended today’s meeting unanimously supported the reintroduction of the interim government system to ensure free and fair elections.

“Today’s participants were highly experienced educators and shared their valuable views. Everyone agreed on the need for a caretaker government. There was no disagreement on this issue. Making the Electoral Commission independent, stronger and financially autonomous was also among the suggestions.

He said the Election Commission should work as an independent body affiliated with the government.

During the meeting, Actor Ilias Kanchan proposed three key electoral system reforms, including the introduction of the “no vote” option.

“If voters do not like any candidate, they should have the option to ‘vote no’. Additionally, if a candidate faces injustice during the election and files a lawsuit, the resolution often extends beyond the election period, leaving them unjust. The Electoral Commission must do this so that victims can get their rights back.” “There must be a mechanism to promptly resolve such disputes.” he suggested.

Badiul Alam Majumdar said that everyone in the meeting agreed that the ‘no vote’ option should be reinstated.

“It was also emphasized that democracy should be established within political parties. It is a dream to expect democracy at the national level without internal democracy.”

Many participants suggested direct election of the president and strengthening of the office.

Suggestions have also been made to reserve certain electoral districts to enable women to be directly elected to parliament.

Criticizing previous governments for alleged financial irregularities in the purchase of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and other equipment, Actor Ilius Kanchan said, “The Election Commission spent a lot of money on EVMs and eroded the trust of the people.

“Measures need to be taken to ensure transparency in the Election Commission. Otherwise, people will think that they are no different from their predecessors.”

Professor Nasim Akhtar Hossain, from the department of government and politics, Jahangirnagar University, said: “Reserved seats do not guarantee genuine representation of women. They lack a sense of responsibility or ownership of the constituency. 100 seats should be reserved for women and they should be directly elected.

“Similarly, representation should be ensured for other underrepresented groups, including minorities, ethnic communities, workers, farmers and students. Institutional strengthening of the Electoral Commission is also critical to maintaining its authority during elections.”

Professor Dr Abdul Latif Masum, Jahangirnagar University, said, “We aim to create a secure future for the entire nation. Elections are the cornerstone of democracy. It is essential to ensure that elections are held efficiently and sustainably.” he said.

Professor Al Masud Hasanuzzaman from the department of government and politics, Jahangirnagar University, pointed out the different views on proportional representation among the participants.