MP campaign in city polls unconstitutional: Mosharraf

BNP leader Khandakar Mosharraf Hossain today claimed that the Election Commission will be violating the constitution if they allow lawmakers to campaign for the city corporation elections.

“We heard that election commission is likely to allow the MPs to participate in the campaign for city corporation election. We want to say clearly that it would be the violation of constitution, violation of law and violation of electoral code of conduct,” he said.

Addressing a discussion at National Press Club, the BNP standing committee member said that Election Commission should uphold its independent and neutral character.

Demanding deployment of army in Gazipur and Khulna city corporation elections, Mosharraf said, “We have placed the demand before the Election Commission. But the commission is yet to take any step.”

Saying that the upcoming two city corporation election is an acid test for the Election Commission, the BNP leader said that without army, voters cannot cast their votes without fear.

Following the ruling Awami League's request, the Election Commission is considering an amendment to the electoral code of conduct so that lawmakers can take part in city polls campaigns.

On March 31, the EC announced the election schedule for Gazipur and Khulna city corporation polls, fixing May 15 for voting.

On April 13, an AL delegation, led by Prime Minister's Political Affairs Adviser HT Imam, made the proposal to the commission arguing that allowing MPs' participation in election campaigns would ensure a level-playing field for all candidates.

Following the proposal, the commission held the meeting on Thursday where a committee, led by Election Commissioner Kabita Khanam, was formed to evaluate the issue and submit a report to the commission.