The Election Commission (EC) yesterday announced that the voting to elect the next President of the country will be held between 2pm and 5pm on February 18 at the Jatiya Sangsad, reports BSS. The EC fixed February 5 for nomination paper collection and submission. Nomination papers will be scrutinised on February 7, while candidature can be withdrawn till 4pm on February 10. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda announced the election schedule at a press conference at the EC secretariat media centre yesterday afternoon.

Only parliament members can propose and second a presidential candidate, he said. As two parliament members died recently, 348 members out of 350 will be eligible to vote in the presidential election, he added. Nurul Huda said the tenure of incumbent President Abdul Hamid will end on April 23. As per the constitution, the presidential election should be held within 30 days from January 24. On Wednesday, the CEC and others concerned met Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury and consulted her about the presidential election.

The CEC said all election related activities including nomination paper submission, scrutiny and withdrawal of candidature would be held at EC Bhaban at Agargaon in the capital.