EC prepared to conduct presidential election: CEC

The Election Commission stated that it is fully prepared to conduct the country’s next presidential election, following a formal consultation with the acting Speaker as required under the law.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin made the announcement on Tuesday after meeting Acting Speaker Kayser Kamal at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

“We are prepared to conduct the presidential election,” the CEC told reporters after the meeting.

The discussion took place ahead of the announcement of the election schedule, with the consultation forming part of the legal process outlined in the Presidential Election Act, 1991.

The meeting, which began at 11:00 am, was attended by Election Commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad and Md Anwarul Islam Sarker, along with Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed.

Under the Presidential Election Act, the Election Commission must consult the Speaker before finalising the timetable for a presidential election.

If Parliament is sitting, the Commission is required to publish the election notification at least seven days before polling.

If Parliament is not in session, the Commission must, in consultation with the Speaker, arrange a meeting of Members of Parliament at least seven days before the vote takes place.

Before announcing the election schedule, the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat will provide the Commission with an updated list of Members of Parliament. The Commission will then prepare and publish the electoral roll for the presidential election.

The Constitution also sets a clear timeframe for filling a vacancy in the presidency. Under Article 123(2), an election must be held within 90 days if the office becomes vacant following the resignation of the president.

The Chief Election Commissioner will serve as the returning officer for the election, which will be decided through votes cast by Members of Parliament.

According to the law, every presidential candidate must have a nomination proposed by one MP and seconded by another. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes will be declared elected. If two candidates receive the same number of votes, the result will be decided by a lottery, with the CEC’s declaration considered final.

The presidential election follows the resignation of Mohammed Shahabuddin on 24 July. Following his departure from office, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad assumed the role of acting president in accordance with the constitutional provisions.

The Election Commission is now expected to announce the official election schedule after completing the remaining legal procedures.