The Election Commission (EC) today (November 29) said the members of parliament (MP) are not required to resign to participate in the 12th parliamentary election scheduled for January 7.

Even if they are members of specific political parties, they are not obligated to resign when participating in the parliamentary election as independent candidates, the EC said in a press release in this regard was issued today.

According to press release signed by Shariful Alam, director of Public Relations Department of the EC, said many mass media outlets have reported that if an incumbent member of the parliament from a specific political party wishes to participate in the electoral race as independent candidate, he or she will need to resign from the post of member of the parliament.

However, if anyone wants to join the election as an independent candidate, a list containing signatures of one percent of the total voters of the respective constituency must be attached to the nomination paper in line with the Representation of the People Order (RPO) 1972.

Besides, if an independent candidate has previously been elected as a member of the parliament, it will not be necessary to provide that list.

Moreover, if an independent candidate has previously served as a member of the parliament, there is no requirement to attach the list.

According to the schedule, the 12th parliamentary election will be held on January 7 and around 87 observers from different oganisations have applied to the EC, seeking permission to oversee the election.

Meanwhile, the EC has already invited 34 countries and 114 observers from four organisations to monitor the national election.

BDST: 1525 HRS, NOV 29, 2023
MSK/SMS