How to reform polls system: Experts seek constitutional amendment

Speakers at a seminar today called for amending the constitution for the electoral system reforms, and suggested introducing proportional representation in elections. 

They made these remarks at a seminar titled "How to Reform the Election Commission", organised by the Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy at the Cirdap Auditorium in Dhaka on Saturday.

Addressing the seminar as the chief guest, Textiles and Jute Ministry Adviser Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain said the government intended to form a new Election Commission after enacting a law based on the recommendations of the reform commission. 

He also stressed that the Election Commission should be given authority to oversee the government during the election period.

He emphasised the need for a democratic system to conduct fair elections and called for changes in political culture.

Election Reform Commission Chairman Badiul Alam Majumder assured attendees that the reform commission would make recommendations after discussions with political parties. 

He noted that political consensus and a shift in political culture were essential for free and fair elections. While the reform commission would act with impartiality, integrity, dedication, and professionalism, Majumder clarified that it did not have the authority to appoint the Election Commission, a decision to be made by the interim government. 

He added that certain reforms would require constitutional amendments and expressed hope that the Constitutional Reform Commission would address proportional representation in elections. He also emphasised the necessity of a neutral government during the election period.

BNP Vice-Chairman Asaduzzaman Ripon highlighted the need for reforms to ensure that the people are the true owners of the republic, particularly by reforming the law governing the appointment of the Election Commission. 

BNP Chairperson's Adviser Advocate Moazzem Hossain Alal stated that the BNP had taken a leading role in advocating for reforms, pointing out that the current Constitution needed updates in several areas.

Shafiqul Islam Masud, a member of Jamaat-e-Islami's central working committee, advocated for the permanent inclusion of the caretaker government system and emphasised the need for proportional representation in the electoral system. 

He argued that under the caretaker government, three elections had been relatively acceptable. He also called for the abolition of Electronic Voting Machines and proposed holding national elections over multiple days.

Nurul Haque Nur, president of a faction of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, argued that an impartial administration was essential for ensuring free, fair, and neutral elections. He advocated for abolishing the current Constitution and drafting a new one, stressing the need for proportional representation.

Shameem Haider Patwary, a presidium member of the Jatiya Party, said that electoral reform was the main responsibility of the interim government and that it was crucial who would oversee the government during the elections. 

He called for establishing a proportional representation system to give smaller parties a chance to gain power. 

He also noted that while the upcoming elections under this government would be fair, attention must be paid to the following elections.

Zonayed Saki, chief coordinator of the Ganosamhati Andolan, criticised political parties for lacking interest in holding fair elections. 

He stressed that the Election Commission should be an independent constitutional body and advocated for a "no vote" option. 

He also called for amending the Representation of the People Ordinance and easing the registration process for political parties.

CPB General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince argued that electoral reform was not possible without discussions with political parties. He said that the interim government should take steps to ensure fair elections, while the remaining reforms should be addressed by an elected government.

Mojibur Rahman Manju, member secretary of the AB Party, suggested that the existing legal framework could be used to conduct transparent elections rather than focusing solely on reforms.