The Election Commission is an independent constitutional body responsible for conducting and overseeing elections in Bangladesh. Its primary role is to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections, upholding the democratic principles of the country. The Election Commission of Bangladesh is guided by the provisions of the Constitution, the electoral laws, and regulations.
The powers and functions of the Election Commission in Bangladesh include:
Election Management: The Election Commission is responsible for managing and conducting various types of elections, including national parliamentary elections, local government elections, and elections for other public offices. It prepares electoral rolls, sets electoral schedules, and administers the entire election process.
Voter Registration: The Election Commission oversees the registration of eligible voters. It maintains an updated voter list, adds newly eligible voters, and removes ineligible voters from the electoral roll.
Electoral Boundaries: The Election Commission delimits and demarcates the constituencies for elections. It reviews and determines the boundaries of electoral constituencies to ensure equal representation.
Candidate Nomination: The Election Commission manages the process of candidate nominations. It receives and scrutinizes nomination papers, verifies the eligibility of candidates, and approves or rejects nominations based on legal requirements.
Code of Conduct: The Election Commission enforces a code of conduct for political parties, candidates, and election observers during the election period. It monitors and takes action against any violations of the code to maintain fairness and integrity in the electoral process.
Election Observers: The Election Commission accredits and coordinates domestic and international election observers. These observers monitor the electoral process, ensuring transparency and fairness, and provide their assessments and recommendations.
Election Security: The Election Commission collaborates with relevant authorities to maintain law and order during elections. It works with law enforcement agencies to provide a secure environment for voters, candidates, and election officials.
Dispute Resolution: The Election Commission is responsible for resolving election-related disputes. It addresses complaints, conducts investigations, and takes necessary actions, including holding hearings and issuing decisions.
Electoral Reforms: The Election Commission contributes to electoral reforms by making recommendations to improve the electoral system and laws. It suggests changes to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and inclusiveness of the electoral process.