The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Council of Advisers on Wednesday night approved the Representation of People (Amendment) Ordinance 2008.

Draft of the amendment to the existing Ordinance was approved in a lengthy six-hour meeting ending at 9-30pm. Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed presided over the meeting at his office.

The proposed amendment provides for formation of electoral alliance among the registered and unregistered political parties.

Earlier, on July 13 the draft Ordinance approved in principle had prohibited alliance of registered political parties with non-registered ones. Under the fresh approved Ordinance, registered political parties can receive donation from person, company or group of companies. The ceiling of donation, property or services from person should not exceed Tk 5 lakh and Tk 25 lakh from group of companies.No registered political party can take gift or donation or grant from any other country, NGO assisted by foreign aid and non-Bangladeshi.

The provision of 'No' vote in ballot paper remains unchanged in the Ordinance.

All members of the Advisory Council attended the meeting. Cabinet Secretary, Secretary to CA's office, CA's press secretary and Secretaries concerned were also present.

CA's press secretary Syed Fahim Munaim briefed newsmen on the outcome of the meeting.

Amendment to the Ordinance prohibits front organizations of political parties in educational institutions, teachers and other areas. But they can independently for organisations.

If any political party desires to register with the Election Commission, it has to satisfy one of the following conditions that include:

win at least one parliamentary seat with the party symbol since independence candidate must have secured at least 5 percent of total votes caste party must have a central office, at least 10 offices in districts and 50 offices in upazilas 33 percent posts for women in a committee of each tier of the party, to be implemented by 2020.

5) if any independent MP joins a unregistered political party, the party will not be qualified for registration.

An independent candidate in Jatiya Sangsad will not require signature of one percent voters of the constituency for candidature.

7) highest decision making body of a political party according to its constitution can dissolve the party and the resolution signed by chairman and secretary general or anyone holding equivalent position has to be submitted to the Election Commission.

The proposed amendment provides a maximum of Tk 4.50 crore election expenses of a political party that puts up 200 and above candidates. The maximum expenditure set at Tk 3 crore for a party that set 100 or less than 200 candidates, Tk 1.50 crore having more than 50 candidates and Tk 75 lakh having less than 50 candidates.

An individual candidate can spend maximum Tk 15 lakh for election purposes.

A political party receiving donation more than Tk 20,000 for election purposes should take in cheque.

Each political party should have bank account and give receipts for donations.