Inter-ministerial meeting today to finalise UP election schedule

The Election Commission is seeking to begin the first phase of the seven-phase Union Parishad elections on November 12, with an inter-ministerial meeting scheduled for Thursday (September 17) to finalise the election timetable.

The meeting will be held at 2:30pm at the Election Commission Secretariat, with heads or representatives of 21 ministries and government departments expected to attend.

The agenda also includes issues related to the October 29 by-election in the Thakurgaon-1 constituency, which fell vacant after BNP former secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir became president.

The EC has been preparing to announce the first-phase schedule after consultations with political parties next week. Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah had earlier identified November 12 as a possible date for the first phase under the seven-phase plan.

However, government officials have said the date is not final.

State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam said the government had not been informed of any final decision, while Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the proposed schedule would be finalised after Thursday’s inter-ministerial meeting.

The EC has already issued a code of conduct for the non-partisan local government elections and sent several proposed amendments to the relevant authorities. The proposals include increasing nomination deposits and campaign spending limits, barring MPO-listed teachers from contesting, expanding the definition of law enforcement agencies to include the armed forces, and increasing penalties for code violations.

Other proposals include restricting dual citizens, loan guarantors of defaulters and individuals accused before the International Crimes Tribunal from contesting elections.

Election Commissioner Rahman Masud said the government would decide whether to incorporate the proposed amendments through legislation or an ordinance. If no changes are approved, the elections will be held under the existing law.

The proposed restriction on MPO-listed teachers has drawn opposition from Jamaat-e-Islami. If the amendment is approved, the restriction would apply before nomination papers are submitted.