Presidential election voting process to be broadcast live

The Election Commission (EC) has finalized preparations for voting in the upcoming presidential election, marking the first time in three and a half decades that multiple candidates are contesting for the country's highest office. Voting will take place on August 20 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM without interruption inside the special session room of the National Parliament.

Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed announced the details during a press conference at the EC building on Tuesday, August 11, following a high-level preparatory meeting held in the Cabinet Room of the National Parliament. The meeting was chaired by Acting Speaker Kaiser Kamal and attended by the Speaker, Chief Whip, Opposition Chief Whip, and other officials.

The presidential post became vacant after 22nd President Md. Sahabuddin resigned on July 24, citing health reasons. Under the Constitution and the Presidential Election Act, 1991, an election must be completed within 90 days of a vacancy. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin, serving as the returning officer, declared the election schedule on July 20.

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According to the schedule, nomination papers can be submitted on August 13 between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Scrutiny of nomination papers will begin on August 16 at 10:00 AM, and candidates can withdraw their candidature until 4:00 PM on August 18. With major political alliances—including the BNP and the Jamaat-led coalition—preparing to field candidates, the election presents a rare competitive race for the presidency after 35 years.

A total of 349 Members of Parliament will exercise their franchise as voters. On polling day, MPs will remain in their designated seats inside the session room. Supported by Parliament Secretariat staff, 20 EC officials will deliver ballot papers directly to lawmakers. Three transparent ballot boxes will be set up inside the room to facilitate voting.

Detailing the ballot structure, the EC Secretary explained that ballot papers will consist of two parts. The left stub will display the serial number, voter name, division number, and a space for signature. The main ballot on the right will list the names of contesting candidates. MPs will cast their votes by writing their full name and signature next to their preferred candidate before depositing the ballot into one of the transparent boxes.

Counting will begin inside the session room immediately after voting closes at 5:00 PM on August 20. A dedicated counting team composed of four to five experienced election officers will sort and count the ballots. The returning officer and Chief Election Commissioner will announce the tally—including valid and canceled votes—directly inside the parliament room before the EC Secretariat issues the official gazette notification.

To ensure transparency, extensive arrangements have been made for media coverage. The entire voting process and result declaration will be broadcast live from the Parliament building, with dedicated seating allocated for journalists.

Addressing questions on whether voting against a party nominee would trigger anti-defection provisions under Article 70 of the Constitution, EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed clarified that this remains a political matter outside procedural election management, advising media to seek clarification directly from political party leadership. Following the meeting, Government Chief Whip Md. Nurul Islam Moni noted that party discipline applies and candidate nominations will be formally announced on nomination day, adding that the voting of the President, Leader of the House, Leader of the Opposition, and Speaker will also be broadcast live. Meanwhile, Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam expressed disappointment over the election taking place outside the full implementation framework of the July Charter.