PM, top leaders cast ballots in presidential election

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and other senior political leaders cast their ballots in first contested presidential election in nearly 35 years.

The voting began at 2pm at the Jatiya Sangsad chamber on Thursday (August 20).

A total of 349 lawmakers are eligible to vote in the election for the country’s 23rd president. Voting is scheduled to continue until 5pm, with Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin overseeing the process as the election officer.

Among others, Acting President Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed and Acting Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal voted after polling opened. BNP presidential candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman also cast their ballots.

BNP candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and opposition Jamaat-led 11-party alliance contender Col (retd) Oli Ahmad are contesting the election.

Presidential elections have been held through lawmakers' votes since the parliamentary system was restored in 1991. However, the seven elections held since then did not require polling as ruling-party candidates faced no challengers.

This year's contest marks a return to a competitive presidential election after decades.

Under the Presidential Election Act, 1991, the president is elected by members of parliament, with the candidate securing the highest number of votes declared elected. Under Article 50 of the Constitution, the president serves a five-year term.

Oli Ahmad, despite being a presidential candidate, cannot vote because he is not a lawmaker and therefore is not included in the electoral roll. Mirza Fakhrul, who is a member of parliament, is eligible to vote.

Ballot counting will begin immediately after voting ends, with the result expected to be announced from the parliament chamber.