Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Parliament shall consist of three hundred members to be elected in accordance with law from single territorial constituencies by direct election.
Source: Constitution: Part VII; Art. 119
Verified: 2012/05/30
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
a . "Equality" of population d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
Comments:
Source: S. M. Asaduzzaman; Public Relations Officer; Bangladesh Election Commission. Email: [email protected]
Verified: 2012/05/30
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
d . Boundary Commission
Comments: The superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of the election rolls for elections to the office or President and to Parliament and the conduct of such elections shall vest in the Election Commission which shall, in accordance with his Constitution and any other law- delimit the constituencies for the purpose of elections to Parliament.
Source: Constitution: Part VII; Art. 119 (c)
Verified: 2012/05/30
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
d . Indirectly elected by legislature
Comments: There shall be a President of Bangladesh who shall be elected by members of Parliament in accordance with law. The President shall as Head of State, take precedence over all other persons in the State,and shall exercise the powers and perform the duties conferred and imposed on him by this Constitution and by any other law.
Source: Constitution of Bangladesh, Art. 48(i&ii)
http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/research/bangladesh-constitution.pdf
Verified: 2012/05/30
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: The Prime Minister is appointed by the President. The President appoints as Prime Minister the member of Parliament who appears to him to command the support of the majority of the members of Parliament.
Source: Constitution, Art. 56
Verified: 2012/05/30
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Bangladesh, Art. 48-54
http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/research/bangladesh-constitution.pdf
Verified: 2012/05/30
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: The parliament, also known as the House of Nation, consists of 300 members.
Source: Constitution of Bangladesh, Art. 65
http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/research/bangladesh-constitution.pdf
Verified: 2012/05/30
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
a . Plurality (FPTP)
Comments: The 300 members of Parliament are to be elected from single territorial constituencies by direct election.
Source: Constitution of Bangladesh, Art. 65 (2)
http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/research/bangladesh-constitution.pdf
Verified: 2012/05/30
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation
Comments: The Constitution includes laws pertaining to elections, establishing an elections commission, qualifications of voters, conditions for an election and a validity clause for election laws.
All other legislation pertaining to the administration of elections is provided in separate documentation.
Source: Constitution of Bangladesh: Part VII, Art. 119
Verified: 2012/05/30
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Bangladesh: Part VII, Art. 119
Verified: 2012/05/30
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments:
Source: S. M. Asaduzzaman; Public Relations Officer; Bangladesh Election Commission. Email: [email protected]
Verified: 2012/05/30
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Judiciary
Comments: The High Court Division is responsible for formal electoral disputes, as outlined in the Representation of People Order, 1972
Source: Constitution of Bangladesh: Part VII, Art. 125 (b)
Representation of People Order (1972); Chapter 5, Art. 49(2)
Verified: 2012/05/30
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level c . Local level
Comments: The mandate of The Bangladesh Elections Commission extends from local to federal elections.
Source: Constitution of Bangladesh, Art. 118-126
Verified: 2012/05/30
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
d . A national government department
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/30
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
d . A national government department
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/30
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: 5 years
Source: Electoral Management Design: The International IDEA Handbook (http://www.idea.int/publications/emd/upload/EMD_Annex_A.pdf)
Bangladesh Elections Commission: http://www.ecs.gov.bd/English/MenuTemplate1.php?Parameter_MenuID=6&ByDate=0&Year=
Verified: 2012/05/30
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments:
Source: Electoral Management Design: The International IDEA Handbook (http://www.idea.int/publications/emd/upload/EMD_Annex_A.pdf)
Verified: 2012/05/30
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: 5 members
Source: Electoral Management Design: The International IDEA Handbook (http://www.idea.int/publications/emd/upload/EMD_Annex_A.pdf)
Verified: 2012/05/30
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
b . Expertise
Comments:
Source: Electoral Management Design: The International IDEA Handbook (http://www.idea.int/publications/emd/upload/EMD_Annex_A.pdf)
Verified: 2012/05/30
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
a . Head of State
Comments: The President appoints a Commissioner and staff members.
Source: Electoral Management Design: The International IDEA Handbook (http://www.idea.int/publications/emd/upload/EMD_Annex_A.pdf)
Verified: 2012/05/30
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body g . NGOs/ Civic Organizations i . Media
Comments: The Bangladesh Elections Commission is responsible for the production of elections materials.
Source: S. M. Asaduzzaman; Public Relations Officer; Bangladesh Election Commission. Email: [email protected]
Verified: 2012/05/30
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
b . Election time only
Comments:
Source: S. M. Asaduzzaman; Public Relations Officer; Bangladesh Election Commission. Email: [email protected]
Verified: 2012/05/30
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
a . No
Comments:
Source: S. M. Asaduzzaman; Public Relations Officer; Bangladesh Election Commission. Email: [email protected]
Verified: 2012/05/30
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments:
Source: Constitution: Part VII, Art. 122(2b)
Verified: 2012/05/30
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship
Comments: Electors can be registered if citizens of Bangladesh, above the age of 18 and not subject to any court declaration of unsound mind.
Source: Constitution: Part VII, Art. 122.
Verified: 2012/05/30
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The Election Commission is responsible for registration of voters.
Source: Constitution: Part VII, Art. 119(d)
Verified: 2012/05/30
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify requirement)
Comments: Any political party intending to avail itself of the privileges provided for a registered political party in this Order and the rules may make an application, on payment of such fee as may be prescribed, to the Commission for its registration as such. Registration must be supported by 2 qualified electors of the constituency.
Source: S. M. Asaduzzaman; Public Relations Officer; Bangladesh Election Commission. Email: [email protected]
The Representation of the People Order, Ch. VIA, Art. 90.A
Verified: 2012/05/30
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship
Comments: Candidates for election must have reached the age of 25 prior to registration and be a citizen of Bangladesh.
Source: Constitution; Part V; Article 66(1)
Verified: 2012/05/30
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
e . In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments:
Source: S. M. Asaduzzaman; Public Relations Officer; Bangladesh Election Commission. Email: [email protected]
Verified: 2012/05/30
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
c . Indirect
Comments:
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
Verified: 2012/05/30
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
f . No information available
Comments:
Source: S. M. Asaduzzaman; Public Relations Officer; Bangladesh Election Commission. Email: [email protected]
Verified: 2012/05/30
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Political parties are entitled to gifts, loans, advances and donations by private individuals, businesses and parties.
Source: S. M. Asaduzzaman; Public Relations Officer; Bangladesh Election Commission. Email: [email protected]
The Representation of the People Order,Ch. IIIA, Art.44(a)
Verified: 2012/05/30
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments:
Source: S. M. Asaduzzaman; Public Relations Officer; Bangladesh Election Commission. Email: [email protected]
Representation of the People Order, Art.36(4)
Verified: 2012/05/30
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
d . By request e . Court order
Comments: The presiding officer of a polling station may recount the ballots on his own accord if he feels it necessary, or by request of a candidate or election agent.
Source: Constitution; Part VII; Article 125(b)
Representation of the People Order, Art.36(5)
Verified: 2012/05/30
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments: Registered political parties are entitled to free air time by state-owned media outlets during the general election period. Only registered political parties are entitled to this benefit however.
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
Representation of the People Order, Art 90B.(c)
Verified: 2012/05/30
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
d . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/30
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
g . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2009/08/21
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/30
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: C:142 "Power to amend any provision of the Constitution [(1)] Notwithstanding anything contained in this Constitution - (a) any provision thereof may by [amended by way of addition, alteration, substitution or repeal] by Act of Parliament: Provided that- (i) no Bill for such amendment 91* * shall be allowed to proceed unless the long title thereof expressly states that it will amend a provision of the Constitution; (ii) no such Bill shall be presented to the President for assent unless it is passed by the votes of not less than two-thirds of the total number of members of Parliament; (b) when a Bill passed as aforesaid is presented to the President for his assent he shall, within the period of seven days after the Bill is presented to him assent to the Bill, and if he fails so to do he shall be deemed to have assented to it on the expiration of that period. (1A) Notwithstanding anything contained in clause (1), when a Bill, passed as a aforesaid,, which provides for the amendment of the Preamble or any provisions of articles 8, 48, 56 or this article, is presented to the President for assent, the President, shall within the period of seven days, after the Bill is presented to him, cause to be referred to a referendum the question whether the Bill should or should not be assented to. (1B) A referendum under this article shall be conducted by the Election Commission, within such period and in such manner as may be provided by law, amongst the person enrolled on the electoral roll prepared for the purpose of election to [Parliament]. (1C) On the day on which the result of the referendum conducted in relation to a Bill under this article is declared, the President shall be deemed to have- (a) assented to the Bill, if the majority of the total votes cast are in favour of the Bill being assented to; or (b) Withheld assent therefrom, if the majority of the total votes cast are not in favour of the Bill being assented to.] 1D) Nothing in clause (1C) shall be deemed to be an expression of confidence or no-confidence in the Cabinet or Parliament] (2) Nothing in article 26 shall apply to any amendment made under this article.]"
Source: The Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Art. 142; the Referendum Act No. 25 of 1991
"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2012/05/30
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: C:142 "Power to amend any provision of the Constitution [(1)] Notwithstanding anything contained in this Constitution - (a) any provision thereof may by [amended by way of addition, alteration, substitution or repeal] by Act of Parliament: Provided that- (i) no Bill for such amendment 91* * shall be allowed to proceed unless the long title thereof expressly states that it will amend a provision of the Constitution; (ii) no such Bill shall be presented to the President for assent unless it is passed by the votes of not less than two-thirds of the total number of members of Parliament; (b) when a Bill passed as aforesaid is presented to the President for his assent he shall, within the period of seven days after the Bill is presented to him assent to the Bill, and if he fails so to do he shall be deemed to have assented to it on the expiration of that period. (1A) Notwithstanding anything contained in clause (1), when a Bill, passed as a aforesaid,, which provides for the amendment of the Preamble or any provisions of articles 8, 48, 56 or this article, is presented to the President for assent, the President, shall within the period of seven days, after the Bill is presented to him, cause to be referred to a referendum the question whether the Bill should or should not be assented to. (1B) A referendum under this article shall be conducted by the Election Commission, within such period and in such manner as may be provided by law, amongst the person enrolled on the electoral roll prepared for the purpose of election to [Parliament]. (1C) On the day on which the result of the referendum conducted in relation to a Bill under this article is declared, the President shal be deemed to have- (a) assented to the Bill, if the majority of the total votes cast are in favour of the Bill being assented to; or (b) Withheld assent therefrom, if the majority of the total votes cast are not in favour of the Bill being assented to.] 1D) Nothing in clause (1C) shall be deemed to be an expression of confidence or no-confidence in the Cabinet or Parliament] (2) Nothing in article 26 shall apply to any amendment made under this article.]"
Source: The Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Art. 142; the Referendum Act No. 25 of 1991
"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2012/05/30
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2009/08/21
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2012/05/30
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2012/05/30
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2012/05/30
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments: When the President is presented with a bill for assent, it must be signed into law within 7 days or it automatically becomes law without his assent. The same applies to referendums conducted for constitutional amendments.
Source: The Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, article 142
"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2012/05/30
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments:
Source: "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2012/05/30
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2012/05/30
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Comments:
Source: S. M. Asaduzzaman; Public Relations Officer; Bangladesh Election Commission. Email: [email protected]
Verified: 2012/05/30
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
f . Diplomatic staff
Comments:
Source: S. M. Asaduzzaman; Public Relations Officer; Bangladesh Election Commission. Email: [email protected]
The Representation of the People Order, Art. 27.
The Electoral Rolls Ordinance (1982), Art. 8
Verified: 2012/05/30
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
a . Embassies
Comments:
Source: S. M. Asaduzzaman; Public Relations Officer; Bangladesh Election Commission. Email: [email protected]
Verified: 2012/05/30
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments:
Source: S. M. Asaduzzaman; Public Relations Officer; Bangladesh Election Commission. Email: [email protected]
The Representation of the People Order, Art. 26
http://www.ecs.gov.bd/MenuExternalFilesEng/154.pdf
Verified: 2012/05/30
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