The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep concern over the opinion of a certain political party that recently asked for the cancellation of a regulation that makes submission of candidates’ affidavits ahead of elections mandatory by law.
The regulation is an important provision of the Representation of the People Order (Amendment) Act, 2009.
The TIB, in a press release on Thursday, urged the political party, which it did not name, to reconsider its current stance on candidates’ affidavits, saying such a stance goes against transparency and accountability of the election process.
They also strongly demanded that affidavits submitted by candidates in the next general polls be thoroughly scrutinised, and then made public.
TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said in the press release: “The provision was included in the Representation of the People Order (Amendment) Act, 2009, as a means for the public representatives to show transparency and accountability, which became a crucial symbol of democracy in Bangladesh.
“However, it is disappointing that a certain political party, in a discussion held with the Election Commission on October 8, voiced support for cancellation of the provision.”
Iftekhar further added that cancelling the provision would damage the democratic institutions of the country.
“When a candidate submits their information to the Election Commission under oath, they and their party gain more acceptability, which in turn empowers the people. However, when a candidate refuses to submit any information, it generates doubt and distrust among the people,” Iftekhar said.
The TIB chief urged the Election Commission not to consider the proposal, and recommended stern action against any candidate who does not provide accurate information.
He also spoke in favour of releasing the candidates’ information submitted through the affidavits to the public through the Election Commission website.
It is to be noted that the High Court, on May 24, 2005, ordered election candidates to submits eight types of information in their affidavits. In response to an appeal, the Appellate Division later upheld the High Court verdict on December 11, 2007.
Under the Representation of the People Order (Amendment) Act, 2009, submitting affidavits is mandatory for the candidates.
Candidates are required to submit the following information to the Election Commission: educational qualifications; description of ongoing criminal case(s) against the candidate, if any; description of resolved criminal case(s) against the candidate, if any; profession; source(s) of income; candidates' role in fulfilling promises in their constituencies, applicable to former MPs; number of dependent relatives, their total wealth and debts, if any; and description of personal, professional and/or joint loans, if any.