Discussion forum Batch 43

Article 70

Article 70

by Md.Naimul Islam (213-26-412) -
Number of replies: 2

Article 70 of the constitution of Bangladesh: 

A person elected as a member of Parliament at an election at which he was nominated as a candidate by a political party shall vacate his seat if he –

(a) resigns from that party; or

(b) votes in Parliament against that party but shall not thereby be disqualified for subsequent election as a member of Parliament.

The provision has the consequence of banning free votes and floor crossing by lawmakers. MPs automatically lose their positions if they cast a vote opposing their party in the parliament session. Though some experts argue that it has some advantages; however, in our opinion, the drawbacks are more significant than the positive aspects.