Gazette on CEC, ECs appointment bill published

The gazette on the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners Appointment Bill-2022, which was passed by the National Assembly, has been published today.

The bill was introduced in parliament on January 27 by Law Minister Anisul Huq, and it was passed by voice vote.

The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners Appointment Act 2022, according to the gazette, will take effect immediately.

The president will appoint a six-member inquiry committee to recommend names of qualified candidates to fill the vacancies of the CEC and ECs. A judge from the Appellate Division nominated by the Chief Justice, a judge from the High Court nominated by the Chief Justice, the Auditor General and Controller of Bangladesh, the Chairman of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission, and two prominent citizens nominated by the President, one of whom will be a woman, will make up the members.

Within 15 working days of the committee's formation, they will submit their recommendations to the president.

The following are the legal requirements for the CEC and ECs:

1. Must be a Bangladeshi citizen.

2. Must be at least 50 years old.

3. Must have at least 20 years of work experience in any important government, judicial, semi-government, private, or autonomous position or profession.

By law, the CEC and ECs are disqualified if:

1. They are declared mentally imbalanced by any appropriate court.

2. They do not get rid of liability after being declared bankrupt.

3. They acquire citizenship of another country.

4. They are found guilty and sentenced for moral turpitude.

5. Convicted under the International Crimes (Tribunals Act, 1973 (Act No. XIX of 1973) or the Bangladesh Collaborators (Special) Tribunals Order, 1972 (President's Order No. 8 of 1972) for any offense.

According to this law, the president has the authority to appoint an inquiry committee. The names of the next members of the Election Commission will be proposed by this committee. On February 14, the current Election Commission, led by KM Nurul Huda, will complete its term.