Bangladesh plans to loosen Article 70 restrictions on lawmakers. Next presidential vote would use amended provision.

Home minister Salahuddin Ahmed said Thursday that the government is moving to amend Article 70 of the Constitution and that the next presidential election would be held under the revised provision.

Speaking to reporters at Parliament before voting in the presidential election, Ahmed said Bangladesh was holding a competitive presidential contest after nearly 35 years, with an opposition candidate in the race.

“Through competitive elections, the people will see a practical reflection of the democratic practice they expect,” he said.

Article 70 currently requires a member of Parliament (MP) to lose their seat if they leave the nominating party or vote against it in Parliament. Ahmed said the proposed amendment would allow MPs to vote against their party except on confidence motions and money bills.

He said the opposition had not joined the committee formed to amend the Constitution, but the government’s work on Article 70 was underway.

Eliminating Article 70 is among the reforms included in the July Charter that the Tarique Rahman administration has largely failed to enact since taking office six months ago. The measure was one of numerous reform demands that emerged following the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Ahmed’s pledge is a day late and a dollar short. Bangladesh has already held its presidential election under the existing provision, denying lawmakers the freedom the proposed reform is supposed to provide.