"If the result [of the 'no votes'] does not count and is used for academic purpose only, there is no need to introduce the system," said AL Joint General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam. "Perhaps there is no such provision in any country's electoral system," he added.

BNP Vice-Chairman MK Anwar remained silent, saying, "I do not want to comment on the issue." However, both the leaders said they will discuss the matter with the EC after the withdrawal of the restriction on indoor politics.

The EC on Saturday disclosed the proposal for introducing a system for casting "no votes" in the parliamentary election to express voters' lack of confidence in the contesting candidates in a constituency. The EC draft of electoral reform proposals said the number of the "no votes" cast will not affect the election results and the statistics might be used only for academic purpose.

The EC also proposed that every registered political party must have specific provision in its constitution for including at least 33 percent women as office bearers of its central and other committees.

Both the two AL and BNP leaders agreed in principle that they want participation of more women in the party politics and parliament.

But Syed Ashraf told The Daily Star, "We always want more woman leadership in politics, parliament and the party, but it will not be right to set a framework--like the 33 percent binding--for that."

MK Anwar said, "The constitution of the BNP has provisions for keeping 10 percent women and the number can be increased through discussion."

The two leaders said the government should withdraw the ban on indoor politics so that the political parties can give their opinions on such important issues.

“Let the Election Commission first discuss the issues with us [political parties], then we will see, analyse and examine those and give our decisions," said Ashraf.