Direct polls to women’s seats, journos tell Electoral Reform Commission

Journalists have proposed increasing the number of parliamentary seats and introducing direct elections to reserved women’s seats to promote inclusivity and women’s empowerment.
They also called for amending the law governing the formation of the Election Commission to ensure an unhindered environment for journalists covering polls.
These recommendations were shared during a views-exchange programme with the Electoral Reform Commission at the Election Commission office in the capital today.
The event was attended by members of the Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy, who regularly cover EC-related developments.
Badiul Alam Majumdar, chair of the Electoral Reform Commission, emphasised the importance of direct voting in reserved women’s seats. He suggested that such elections could be held on a rotational basis to ensure greater representation.
He further noted that the commission has reviewed all election-related laws and regulations and would make recommendations based on collective feedback.
RFED members proposed several additional reforms, including: reducing the number of former bureaucrats in the Election Commission, appointing EC’s own officials as returning and assistant returning officers, reintroducing the “no” vote provision on ballot papers, ensuring postal ballots for expatriates and election duty personnel.
They also suggested redefining the armed forces as law enforcement agencies under electoral laws, empowering the EC to penalise government officials for election-related offences, and closely monitoring candidates’ and parties’ election expenditures.
Responding to a query about why the reform commission sought opinions from 22 registered political parties, excluding the Awami League and its allies, Badiul said, “This question should be directed to the government.”
He explained that the commission is seeking opinions from all sections of society. While the government has formed the reform commission and set its terms of reference, the commission is committed to incorporating diverse perspectives.
“The government’s intent will be crucial in determining the success of these reforms,” he added.