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After resigning from NCP, Tasnim Zara is in serious trouble while contesting the elections as an independent candidate. His nomination has been thrown into limbo as he could not collect the required voter serial number as per the election rules.
In order to participate in the elections as an independent candidate in Bangladesh, at least 1 percent of the total voters of their constituency must collect the signatures and voter serial numbers and submit them to the Election Commission. Acceptance of signatures without this serial number is not legally valid.
But if one has been elected Member of Parliament earlier, then this 1 percent signature condition is not applicable. Apart from this, income tax return, statement of assets and other documents including photograph and affidavit in the prescribed format have to be submitted as per the rules of Election Commission.
Tasnim Zara said that she has started collecting signatures in her constituency Khilgaon (Dhaka-9) since yesterday. But today, as you may know, none of the five approved methods of obtaining voter serial numbers are currently in effect.
He said, “The signature is not valid without the voter number. But the Election Commission has created a situation where the voter number is not available in any way.”
According to Election Commission rules, the ways to get voter number are- 1) Through SMS 2) Online on website 3) Through call center 4) By scanning QR code 5) Through prescribed digital services
However, Tasnim Zara complained that the website’s server is down, SMS and call systems are not working, QR codes and other digital media are also ineffective. In his words, “It has been made absolutely impossible. Every avenue is closed.”
The biggest concern is that today is the last day to file nominations. As a result, there is great doubt whether it will be possible to collect the required voter serial number within the stipulated time.
According to political observers, if this situation continues, Tasneem Zara may legally fail to file nomination as an independent candidate, which could completely stop her participation in the elections.
