MPs will lose seats if they vote against party in presidential election: Chief Whip

Members of Parliament who vote against the party's decision in the presidential election will lose their seats, said Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni. He said Article 70 of the Constitution has not been amended, so it will remain in effect for the presidential election as well.

Voting for the country's next presidential election is set to take place on August 20. MPs will cast their votes at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban from 2pm to 5pm that day. The results will be prepared and announced immediately after voting concludes.

Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam disclosed this information at an emergency press briefing at the Parliament Media Centre on Tuesday, August 11.

Earlier, a high-level meeting was held at the Speaker's office, attended by the Chief Whip, opposition representatives, Election Commission officials and Parliament Secretariat officials, to ensure a free and fair presidential election.

Outlining the election schedule, the Chief Whip said, "The presidential election is on August 20. There are dates for submission, scrutiny and withdrawal of nomination papers. The last date for filing nomination papers is August 18. The last date for withdrawal is also August 18. After that, we will hold the election."

On the ruling party's candidate, he said, "We have not finalised our BNP candidate yet. The Prime Minister has been entrusted with this responsibility. He will decide and announce the party's candidate."

Stating that a conducive environment is being created with participation from all parties, the Chief Whip said, "We met today to ensure a smooth election. The opposition Chief Whip, ourselves, Election Commission officials and Parliament Secretariat officials met under the Speaker's chairmanship."

Describing the entire voting process, he said, "The election will be held from 2pm to 5pm. MPs will vote according to their seat numbers. They will vote for the candidate's name on the ballot paper. After counting, the result will be announced."

He added, "The President, Leader of the House, Leader of the Opposition and the Speaker will all vote. Media will be present during voting. The voting will be shown live. The media will also be informed when the results are being prepared."

On the voting arrangements, the Chief Whip said the voting will be held inside the Parliament building. There will be special booths where MPs will cast their votes through secret ballot.

He said, "There are a total of 349 votes. If voting is completed within an hour, result preparation can begin an hour later. If any votes remain, counting will begin after 5pm and the result will be prepared."

On the administrative preparations, the Chief Whip said, "The Chief Election Commissioner will be present with officials. Other commissioners may also attend. Parliament Secretariat officials will provide necessary secretarial support."

When asked whether MPs could vote against party lines, he clarified, "A meeting will be convened by the Election Commission. Since Article 70 of the Constitution has not been amended, it remains in effect." He added, "No MP can vote outside their party's preferred candidate. Under Article 70, they cannot make any decision outside the party's decision."

He further said, "When the Prime Minister announces BNP's candidate, we will all go together. On the day of the election, we will all be together when nomination papers are submitted."

On the opposition candidate, the Chief Whip said, "The 11-party alliance has announced Colonel Oli Ahmed Bir Muktijoddha as its presidential candidate."

Commenting on the prospect of a contested election after a long time, he said, "There has been no presidential election like this for about 35 years. We felt that a participatory election is necessary for democracy. We also want to inform the people of our political position."

Concluding the briefing, he said, "We consider our candidate to be the most acceptable guardian of Bangladesh at this moment. This is to make our political position known."