| dc.description.abstract | Election Commission an independent constitutional body entrusted with the responsibility of
holding national and local government elections. It announces schedules of elections, delimits
constituencies, prepares electoral rolls, supervises elections, announces election results and
establishes election tribunals to settle election disputes. Part VII of the constitution of the
Peoples Republic of Bangladesh defines the composition, powers and functions of the
Election Commission. Article 118 of the Bangladesh Constitution provides for the
establishment of an Election Commission for Bangladesh consisting of a Chief Election
Commissioner and such number of other Election Commissioners, if any, as the President
may from time to time direct, and the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and
other Election Commissioners (if any) shall, subject to the provisions of any law made in that
behalf, be made by the President. When the Election Commission consists of more than one
person, the Chief Election Commissioner is to act as its chairman. Under the Constitution, the
term of office of any Election Commissioner is five years from the date on which he enters
upon office. A person who has held office as Chief Election Commissioner is not eligible for
appointment in the service of the Republic. Any other Election Commissioner is, on ceasing
to hold such office, eligible for appointment as Chief Election Commissioner, but is not
eligible for appointment in the service of the Republic. At present, Bangladesh Election
Commission consists of three members including the Chief Election Commissioner. The
Election Commission is constitutionally oath-bound to ensure free and fair elections to the
office of President of the Republic, and to Jatiya Sangsad and local government bodies. The
Election Commission maintains close relations with all political parties. On matters of
election schedule, election process and overall arrangements for elections, dialogue is
initiated with all political parties. Discussion on issues relating to voter registration,
preparation and updating of electoral rolls and relevant matters is also held with contesting
political parties. | en_US |
