EC's recommendations: Good news for independent candidates

In an effort to reform the electoral system, the Election System Reform Commission has proposed nearly 150 recommendations across 18 areas, including significant relief for independent candidates. The commission recommended replacing the requirement for 1% of constituency voters' signatures with the support of 500 voters for independent candidates.

The commission did not propose any educational qualifications for lower house candidates. However, it recommended that upper house members have a minimum age of 35 years and hold at least a bachelor’s degree. Another key proposal is the mandatory submission of a 5-year income tax return along with the nomination papers.

The commission submitted its report to the Chief Advisor on Wednesday morning (January 15, 2025), including these recommendations.

Under Section 2.1 of the report, the commission suggested replacing the 1% voter signature requirement for independent candidates with the support of 500 voters, expressed through a single or joint affidavit.

The same section also recommends that individuals convicted of crimes under the jurisdiction of the International Crimes Tribunal, severe offenses such as extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, major corruption, loan defaults, or money laundering be disqualified from elections from the moment of conviction. Additionally, the commission proposed that individuals convicted of moral turpitude under Article 66(2)(g) of the Constitution be barred from contesting elections from the time of their conviction. It also recommended disqualifying candidates who provide false information or conceal information in their affidavits, leading to the annulment of their election by the court.

The commission suggested barring local government representatives from contesting parliamentary elections without resigning from their positions. However, it recommended removing the clause requiring executive members of private organizations to resign three years before running for office.

To promote diversity and inclusivity, the commission proposed reserving 10% of nominations for youth, religious and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities.

In Section 2.2, the commission suggested mandatory in-person submission of nomination papers by all candidates unless they are in legal custody. It also emphasized granting the Election Commission full authority in finalizing candidatures, along with requiring candidates to submit 5 years of income tax returns.

In Section 2.4, the commission proposed abolishing the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in elections.

Speaking to Views Bangladesh, the commission’s chief, Badiul Alam Majumdar, stated that the lack of accountability in the previous commission led to three controversial elections. The recommendations aim to prevent such occurrences in the future and honor the sacrifices made during the 2024 movement. He emphasized that the 150 proposals uphold the spirit of 2024, strengthening and holding the Election Commission accountable.

Majumdar also highlighted that while some qualifications were relaxed to encourage participation, measures were introduced to bar unqualified individuals. He stressed that the recommendations aim to prevent any autocratic regime from rising, including limiting the tenure of prime ministers to a maximum of two terms.

Under Section 3, the commission proposed constitutional amendments to limit the prime minister’s tenure to two terms. It also suggested disqualifying a two-term prime minister from running for the presidency. The president should be politically neutral, and no individual should simultaneously serve as the party chief, prime minister, and parliamentary leader.