Writ seeking stay on presidential election dismissed

The High Court has rejected a writ petition challenging the validity of Article 70 of the Constitution, which provides for the loss of a lawmaker’s parliamentary seat if they vote against their party, as well as seeking a stay on the schedule for the presidential election.

A High Court bench comprising Justice Khizir Ahmed Chowdhury and Justice A.F.M. Saiful Karim passed the order on Tuesday after hearing the petition.

Supreme Court lawyer Yunus Ali Akand filed the writ on August 13 and appeared in person for the petitioner. Attorney General Md Ruhul Quddus Kajal represented the state.

The Election Commission announced the schedule for the country’s 23rd presidential election on August 6. According to the schedule, the election is set to be held this Thursday.

The writ sought a rule asking why Article 70 should not be declared inconsistent with the Constitution and why the Election Commission’s August 6 schedule for the presidential election should not be declared without legal authority.