Constitutional Reform Commission: 86% of People Advocate for National Elections to Be Held Under a Non-Party Government

A survey conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) on behalf of the Constitutional Reform Commission has revealed that 86% of the population believes parliamentary elections should be held under a non-party government. In contrast, only a small percentage supports a proportional electoral system. The majority of respondents also favor reserving seats for women in parliament through a direct voting system.

The findings come from the National Public Opinion Survey on Constitutional Reform-2024, with data gathered between December 5 and 10, 2024, from 45,925 households across 64 districts. Respondents, aged 18 to 75, were selected through the Kish Grid method.

Regarding the election-time government, 86% of participants stated that elections should be held under a non-party government, while 6% supported a partisan government. Over 6% were uncertain, and 2% declined to answer.

Historically, elections conducted under a caretaker government were viewed as credible, but the Supreme Court declared the caretaker system unconstitutional in 2011. The Awami League government then removed it through a constitutional amendment, and three subsequent elections (2014, 2018, and 2024) were criticized as rigged and one-sided.

In the wake of the 2024 mass uprising, which led to the ousting of the Awami League government, discussions have emerged regarding the inclusion of provisions for neutral governments in the future. The Constitutional Reform Commission has recommended the reinstatement of an interim government system in the constitution.

On the balance of power between the president and prime minister, 37% of respondents favored giving more power to the president, while 45% supported the prime minister holding the authority. Furthermore, 64% of respondents favored limiting the prime minister to two terms, while 10% opposed such a limit, and 15% felt there should be no term restriction for the position.

Finally, 49% of respondents believe that an individual should not hold both the position of prime minister and head of the ruling party simultaneously, while 37% believe it is acceptable to hold both roles.