Different colour ballot papers for referendum: Law Adviser

The ballot papers for the referendum will be in a different colour from those used in the national election. Law adviser Asif Nazrul said on Tuesday, November 25, that the gazette regarding this would be published by Wednesday.

He gave the information at a briefing organised at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka after the approval of the draft Referendum Ordinance at the meeting of the Advisory Council.

Asif Nazrul said the referendum will contain one question, and voters will respond by voting ‘yes’ or ‘no’. The colour of the ballot paper is being changed to ensure that voters are not confused, as the referendum will be held simultaneously with the national parliamentary election.

He further said that the returning officers, assistant returning officers, presiding officers and polling officers appointed for the national election will also conduct the referendum.

The law adviser said that the referendum will ask the public for a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote on four points, including the requirement that the winning party will be obliged to implement the 30 reform proposals recommended by the National Consensus Commission.

Earlier, on November 20, the Advisory Council approved the referendum law. The government has decided to hold the referendum on the same day as the upcoming national parliamentary election to assess public opinion on the National Consensus Commission’s proposed reforms.