EC proposal
MPO listed teachers barred from contesting local elections
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
The Election Commission has proposed barring loan defaulters and utility bill defaulters from contesting local government elections. It has also recommended disqualifying MPO listed teachers, dual citizens and individuals holding offices of profit from participating in the polls.
The information was disclosed Tuesday by Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed after a meeting on proposed amendments to laws related to local government elections and the code of conduct for Union Parishad elections.
Akhtar Ahmed said, “There are two aspects in the case of loan default. One is the borrower and the other is the guarantor. A person who is personally the borrower is already included. However, the commission has also agreed in principle to the proposal to disqualify guarantors as loan defaulters.”
He also said, “In addition, it has been proposed that utility bill defaulters should also be considered disqualified. For example, if there are outstanding electricity bills, land taxes, WASA bills or bills owed to similar service providing institutions, whether personal or institutional, that will also be grounds for disqualification.”
Regarding MPO listed teachers, he said, “According to the commission, MPO listed teachers will not be allowed to contest elections. Accordingly, it has been proposed that they be disqualified from participating in elections.”
On dual citizens, the EC senior secretary said, “According to the commission, they will also not be allowed to contest elections.” As the reason, he said that the Constitution contains provisions on the matter.
A proposal has also been made regarding individuals holding offices of profit. He said, “A person holding an office of profit will not be allowed to contest elections.”
He said that along with amendments to the law, necessary changes would also be proposed to the election code of conduct.
“Amending the law is a legal process. In this regard, the Election Commission will send its proposals to the Local Government Division. If the Local Government Division considers the proposals appropriate, it will take the necessary steps,” Akhtar Ahmed added.
On finalizing the law, he said, “The Election Commission does not have the authority to finalize the law. The commission is only making proposals and recommendations. The responsibility for finalizing the law rests with the Local Government Division.”
