Dhaka, Aug 20 (V7N)- Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said the ongoing 23rd presidential election, which includes an opposition candidate for the first time in 35 years, is an important development for Bangladesh’s democratic system.
He made the remarks while speaking to reporters on Thursday (August 20) as voting was underway at the National Assembly.
Salahuddin said the fact that the presidential election is constitutionally contested is significant for democratic practice. He expressed hope that this trend would continue in the future and that the people would see a genuine reflection of democratic practices through such elections.
The Home Minister also said the government has taken an initiative to amend the much-debated Article 70 of the Constitution.
According to him, future presidential elections will be conducted under the amended provision once the proposed changes are implemented.
Salahuddin said the opposition has not yet joined the committee formed to discuss the proposed amendment. However, he said the government has kept the issue of amending Article 70 within the ongoing reform process and intends to implement the changes in the future.
He added that the next presidential election would be held under the provisions of the amended Article 70.
Under the existing Article 70, an MP’s parliamentary seat becomes vacant if the lawmaker votes against the decision of the political party on whose ticket they were elected.
The provision has long been a subject of political and constitutional debate in Bangladesh. The issue has gained renewed attention during the current presidential election because MPs are constitutionally required to vote in the election.
END/SMA/AJ
