Ex-CEC Abu Hena sees no need to switch to proportional representation voting system

Instead of changing to proportional representation, he believes strengthening the current electoral system is more important

Former chief election commissioner Mohammad Abu Hena has dismissed the idea of introducing proportional representation (PR) in Bangladesh's parliamentary elections, deeming it unnecessary.

PR involves allocating parliamentary seats based on the share of votes received by each party.

Instead of changing the voting method, Abu Hena believes that strengthening the current electoral system is more important.

He emphasised that proper enforcement of the law is key to fair elections, and a capable Election Commission can conduct free and fair polls, even under a political government.

On Monday, the former CEC, who presided over the uncontested election on Jun 12, 1996, met with Election Reform Commission officials in Agargaon. He later shared his views with the media.

After the fall of the Awami League administration, several parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, have called for the introduction of the PR system in the national parliamentary elections.

There are two main methods for electing representatives in democratic countries. The first is the 'first-past-the-post' system, where the candidate who receives the most votes in a constituency is elected. This method is common in many countries, including Bangladesh.

The second is the PR system, where voters cast their ballots for political parties instead of individual candidates. The number of seats a party receives is based on the percentage of votes it secures.

When asked if Bangladesh should adopt the PR system, Abu Hena replied, "In my view, there is no need to change the voting system."

"We currently use the first-past-the-post system, which can be effective and is well-known to the people. I don’t see a need for a new system."

He pointed to examples from Nepal and Israel, noting that countries with proportional representation have not had successful outcomes.

“We need to focus on making our current system, which the public is familiar with, more efficient. That’s the most important thing,” he added.

Addressing another question on the matter, Badiul Alam Majumder, chief of the Election Reform Commission, said, "Switching to proportional representation would require amending the Constitution. There are many aspects that might need constitutional changes."

He mentioned that the commission has received several proposals from political parties, with some suggesting changes to the voting system.