For the first time in Bangladesh’s history, candidates in 153 constituencies are set to be elected as member of parliaments uncontested in the 10th parliamentary elections.
Of the candidates, 127 from ruling Awami League, 20 from Jatiya Party, three from Jasad, two from Bangladesh Workers Party and the rest one from Manju-led Jatiya Party.
Citizens in 54 constituencies in Dhaka Division won’t get a chance to cast their vote as candidates in the constituencies are going to be elected unopposed. Similarly voters in 11 constituencies in Rangpur, 27 in Rajshahi, 12 in Khulna, 10 in Barisal, nine in Sylhet and 30 in Chittagong Division will be missing their voting right.
According to article 19 (1) of the Representation of the People Order (RPO), if there is only one person as a validly nominated candidate for election after scrutiny or there is only one contesting candidate after withdrawal of nominations, the returning officer shall declare those candidates to be elected to the seat by a public notice.
On December 13, the last day for withdrawal of nomination, a list of 109 lone candidates was announced but later the number went up to 153.
On January 22 in 2007, 18 candidates of BNP were elected uncontested. But the election was cancelled after the emergency was promulgated.
In the fourth parliamentary election in 1988 a total of 18 candidates were elected unopposed. Eight political parties participated in the polls while there were 1192 candidates.
In the second general elections in 1979 a total of 2547 candidates participated in the elections while 11 were elected uncontested.
In the first parliamentary election in 1973, 11 Awami league candidates were elected unopposed.
To know candidates in your constituency visit Dhaka Tribune Election Website.
