The Local Government Reform Commission today (Jan 6) proposed several reforms, including preventing uncontested elections and mandating a minimum voter turnout for election validity.

The commission's chief Dr. Tofail Ahmed outlined these recommendations during a press briefing at the National Institute of Local Government (NILG) conference room at Agargaon in the capital. 

He said that uncontested elections should be abolished, and fresh schedules should be announced if there is only one candidate. 

Additionally, a specific voter turnout percentage should be set to validate elections, he added.

Dr. Ahmed further proposed that all decisions and approvals in local governance should be made by elected representatives, with government officials acting only in an advisory capacity. 

Members of Parliament should not interfere in the activities of local representatives, who should have mechanisms to address complaints and seek remedies, he added.

He also suggested annual performance evaluations for representatives, to be implemented through a clear policy framework.

BDST: 1704 HRS, JAN 6, 2025
MSK