Jamaat urges November referendum for ‘experience’ and to ‘avoid election chaos’

The deputy chief of the party says the same ballot box used for the national polls can be used for the referendum

The Jamaat-e-Islami has pressed the Election Commission to hold the referendum on the July National Charter in November, arguing that it would both help the authorities gain electoral “experience” and avoid potential “chaos” if held alongside the parliamentary election.

The Islamist party presented the arguments during a three-hour meeting with the EC at its Agargaon headquarters on Monday.

Jamaat’s deputy chief Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher later said the party believes holding the referendum before the national polls would be more “practical and efficient”.

“In the past, referendums have been held even within 10 to 21 days. If problems occur during the election, the referendum may become uncertain. Then we lose both the ‘mango and its skin’.

“So we think the referendum could be a learning experience, an experiment to see how law enforcement cooperates.”

Taher described the referendum as a simple and inexpensive process: “The same box used for the national polls can be used. The only extra cost is for a ballot paper and ink. Apart from that, just minimal expenses like food and wages for those involved.”

He argued that holding both votes together would dampen participation.

“During the national election, every party will be busy. Ordinary voters in villages will focus on voting for party symbols like the ‘paddy sheaf’ or ‘scales’.

“After casting that vote, few will bother with the referendum ballot -- they’ll just take it home. That’s why we say the referendum and national election should be held separately.”

Jamaat’s delegation, led by Taher and including AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, Jashim Uddin Sarker, and Matiur Rahman Akanda, discussed issues such as overseas voting, voter lists and NID registration, PR systems, returning officers, and referendum management.

While preparations are under way for the national election expected in early February, political parties have diverging views on when the referendum should be held.

Some, including Jamaat, prefer it before the national election, while others, such as the BNP, want both votes on the same day but on separate ballots.

According to Taher, the EC assured Jamaat that it would carry out the referendum if the government decides to proceed.

“The EC told us that if the government makes a decision, they will implement it. There will be no problem from their side,” he said.