EC to get power to scrap polls of one several seats

Bangladesh

Daily Bangla Times: The Election Commission (EC) can cancel the election of one or several seats if irregularities are found, according to the draft of ‘Representation of the People (amendment) Act, 2023.

The cabinet provided the final approval to the draft law with this power on Thursday (May 18). Cabinet Division Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain briefed reporters after the meeting.

Mahbub Hossain said that from now on, election candidates will have to attach their TIN and evidence of tax return submission with their nomination paper. There is this provision in all elections except Union Parishad elections. Such rule was not mentioned in our parliamentary elections. But it is included now.

Besides, if a returning officer declares a candidate's nomination paper valid, anyone (other candidates) can file an appeal against that decision. But they will have to submit appropriate evidence supporting the appeal, he added.