Presidential polls

AL collects nomination for Hamid

As the Awami League (AL) has an overwhelming majority in Parliament, it is just a matter of time for President Abdul Hamid to be the country’s next President. The AL yesterday (Friday) collected the party’s nomination paper on behalf of the President to run for presidency for the second successive term. A team of the AL's Parliament members, led by Jatiya Sangsad chief whip ASM Feroz, went to the Election Commission’s (EC's) office at Agargaon in Dhaka and collected the nomination paper yesterday morning, Asaduzzaman Arju, joint secretary (media and publications) of the EC, told the media.

The other two members are Jatiya Sangsad whips Md Iqbalur Rahim and Md Shahiduzzaman Sarker. The AL nominated the incumbent President at its parliamentary board meeting at Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s official residence, Gana Bhaban, on Wednesday.

Earlier, the Prime Minister formally conveyed to President Hamid of her party’s intention to nominate him to run for presidency for another term.

As per Article 70 of the Constitution, MPs cannot vote against a party nominee. The AL has overwhelming majority in Parliament, while the Jatiya Party (JP), the main opposition in the House, does not have the numbers to fight the election.

Therefore, the presidential election slated for February 18 will be just a formality. If the JP or any other political party that has representation in Parliament does not nominate any candidate, the current President, Abdul Hamid, will be elected unopposed.

Nomination forms can be collected from the EC till February 5. The President is elected by Parliament for a five-year term from among candidates nominated by political parties.

The JP will not field any candidate, party sources said.

Talking to this correspondent, JP co-chairman GM Quader said yesterday: “We won’t put up any candidate for the presidential election as that will be pointless.”

President Abdul Hamid assumed office on April 24, 2013 and his five-year term ends on April 23. According to Article 123 of the Constitution, presidential election has to be held between 60 and 90 days before the President’s five-year term ends.

The presidential election is crucial as the next parliamentary polls will be held at the end of this year. The next President’s tenure will continue till the last year of the next government.

Before taking oath as President, Hamid was elected lawmaker seven times. He also served as Speaker twice.

He became the acting President on March 14, 2013 after the then president, Zillur Rahman, was admitted to Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore on March 10. Zillur Rahman passed away on March 20, 2013.

Presidential polls

AL collects nomination for Hamid

As the Awami League (AL) has an overwhelming majority in Parliament, it is just a matter of time for President Abdul Hamid to be the countrys next President. The AL yesterday (Friday) collected the partys nomination paper on behalf of the President to run for presidency for the second successive term. A team of the ALs Parliament members, led by Jatiya Sangsad chief whip ASM Feroz, went to the Election Commissions (ECs) office at Agargaon in Dhaka and collected the nomination paper yesterday morning, Asaduzzaman Arju, joint secretary (media and publications) of the EC, told the media. The other two members are Jatiya Sangsad whips Md Iqbalur Rahim and Md Shahiduzzaman Sarker. The AL nominated the incumbent President at its parliamentary board meeting at Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas official residence, Gana Bhaban, on Wednesday. Earlier, the Prime Minister formally conveyed to President Hamid of her partys intention to nominate him to run for presidency for another term. As per Article 70 of the Constitution, MPs cannot vote against a party nominee. The AL has overwhelming majority in Parliament, while the Jatiya Party (JP), the main opposition in the House, does not have the numbers to fight the election. Therefore, the presidential election slated for February 18 will be just a formality. If the JP or any other political party that has representation in Parliament does not nominate any candidate, the current President, Abdul Hamid, will be elected unopposed. Nomination forms can be collected from the EC till February 5. The President is elected by Parliament for a five-year term from among candidates nominated by political parties. The JP will not field any candidate, party sources said. Talking to this correspondent, JP co-chairman GM Quader said yesterday: We wont put up any candidate for the presidential election as that will be pointless. President Abdul Hamid assumed office on April 24, 2013 and his five-year term ends on April 23. According to Article 123 of the Constitution, presidential election has to be held between 60 and 90 days before the Presidents five-year term ends. The presidential election is crucial as the next parliamentary polls will be held at the end of this year. The next Presidents tenure will continue till the last year of the next government. Before taking oath as President, Hamid was elected lawmaker seven times. He also served as Speaker twice. He became the acting President on March 14, 2013 after the then president, Zillur Rahman, was admitted to Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore on March 10. Zillur Rahman passed away on March 20, 2013.