The AB Party has demanded that the 13th National Elections be held based on the July Charter.
In a written statement to the National Consensus Commission (NCC) submitted on 30 July, the party said it was urgent that the constitutional status and legal framework of the July Charter be clarified, and that discussions with political parties on these issues be held at the third round of meetings of the National Consensus Commission.
"We demand that the next national parliamentary election be held based on the July Charter," it added in the statement, a copy of which has been obtained by Dhaka Stream.
On amending the Constitution as outlined in the July Charter, it suggested that the authority (mandate) of the interim government must be determined through the direct consent of the people, then a national referendum will be necessary.
"If such a referendum is held, there will be no obstacle to constitutional amendment. Once a clear outcome is achieved through referendum, there will be no alternative to ensuring both the legality and the political legitimacy of the amendments," it said.
The party also said that although it had initially supported a unicameral legislature, it has changed its stance and agrees to the proposal for a bicameral legislature – on the condition that in the national elections, 100 members of the upper house be elected through proportional representation (PR).
It also suggested preparing a clear list distinguishing which recommendations have been included in the declaration and which have not.
AB Party submits 9-point proposal to CEC
On Wednesday, the party formally placed a proposal to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin during a meeting.
The party chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju, general secretary Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuaad, and other senior leaders also attended the meeting.
They proposed assigning students as volunteers alongside law enforcers to ensure a fair and peaceful election, while also ensuring adherence to the electoral code of conduct.
They urged the Returning Officer to take initiatives to conduct joint election campaigns with all candidates to reduce election expenses and discourage unnecessary, provocative public gatherings.
The proposals also included ensuring the right of Bangladeshis living abroad to vote from abroad, and guaranteeing the right of dual citizens to run as candidates in all national and local elections.
To keep polling centres free from candidate influence and to ensure voter security for free and fair elections, the current number of polling centres should be reduced and voting centres should be established in large fields, educational institutions, other institutions, stadiums, and playgrounds.
Other proposals included formulating model election campaign guidelines, arranging direct debates among candidates organised by the Election Commission (EC) and the EC conducting awareness campaigns through media and social networks.
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