FROM BANGLADESH WEB

25 April 2008

War criminals banned from local polls

The cabinet at a meeting on Thursday approved three ordinances that prescribe a series of provisions, including a ban on convicted war criminals from taking part in the local government polls, a government spokesman said. Two of the ordinances — similar in nature — also enable the authorities to appoint an administrator to a local government body if there is no election in 180 days from the expiry of its term.

Political leaders and private service holders will be able to contest the local government polls. The Local Government (City Corporation) Ordinance 2008 and Local Government (Municipalities) Ordinance 2008 kept a provision for a ban on the war criminals convicted by any local or international court or tribunal, the chief adviser’s press secretary, Syed Fahim Munaim, told reporters after the cabinet meeting.

The ordinances were designed in line with the recommendations of a committee the government formed last year to strengthen local government bodies. According to the ordinances, the term of the elected public representatives at every level will be five years. The ordinances specify election spending at every level of the local government and have a provision to ensure accountability. Bangladeshi nationals of age 25 or over are eligible to contest the local government elections. A candidate must be on the voters’ list and be a permanent resident of the ward from where he wants to participate in the polls.

The ordinances listed 20 crimes that disqualify the guilty to contest the polls.

Full article at http://www.bangladesh-web.com/view.php?hidRecord=196820