Election Commission Moves Forward with Expatriate Voting Plan

The Election Commission (EC) has announced the formation of an advisory committee of technology experts to develop a voting method for expatriates in the upcoming 13th parliamentary elections. This decision was revealed by Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah at a press conference held at the EC building in Agargaon.

Currently, the EC is evaluating three potential methods for expatriate voting: postal ballots, online voting, and proxy voting. A recent workshop assessed these options, and the next step involves assembling a team of experts who participated in the event. “They will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each method and provide recommendations for addressing any limitations,” Sanaullah explained.

Emphasizing the urgency of the process, he stated, “We must customize the chosen method within the available timeframe; without adequate time, implementation will not be feasible.” The commission is committed to ensuring expatriates can participate in the electoral process without delay.

When asked about the most viable option, Sanaullah indicated that proxy voting appears to be the most effective way to reach a larger number of overseas voters. “The workshop highlighted both the strengths and risks associated with proxy voting, as well as the other two options,” he noted.

The commissioner clarified that the EC is not favoring any single method. “No one method is entirely applicable to Bangladesh; we may need a combined approach. If we can implement all three methods, we will.”

Highlighting the importance of expatriate voting rights, Sanaullah recalled that Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus addressed this issue in his inaugural speech. Currently, 115 countries worldwide allow overseas citizens to vote, typically through embassies, with postal ballots and online or proxy voting following closely behind.

Given the global dispersion of Bangladeshi expatriates, the commissioner acknowledged that embassy-based voting may not be practical. Hence, the EC has narrowed its focus to the three shortlisted methods, each with its distinct advantages and challenges. The recent workshop featured presentations from ten teams comprising experts in elections, law, technology, and electoral management.

As the EC moves forward, the commitment to including expatriates in the voting process remains a top priority, aiming for a solution that empowers all citizens, regardless of their location.