Just two months into the interim government, various discussions on electoral reforms, timelines and systems are gaining momentum, yet the voices and preferences of people seem to be lost in the noise. While one faction advocates for a parliamentary election, others are calling for a proportional representation system. The real question is: which form of government and electoral process best suits Bangladesh? A large segment of political parties is advocating for national elections to be held using a proportional representation (PR) system instead of the existing method. But the BNP, one of the major parties, opposes this approach and supports the current system. However, the Awami League's position in the evolving political landscape remains unclear. But election experts think neither the government, nor the political parties and voters are prepared for its introduction in the next polls. They say that while the PR system offers many potential benefits, its feasibility depends on strong political will, public support and the readiness of both political actors and the electorate to transition from the current first-past-the-post (FPTP) system. The experts suggest that the PR system could be incorporated into the constitution as a directive for future implementation, as it may help create a more vibrant parliament with diverse viewpoints, reduce the influence of money and muscle in elections, and prevent autocracy and fascism. PR, or proportional representation, is an electoral system where the distribution of seats aligns with the proportion of total votes each party receives. For instance, if a party gets 40 percent of the total votes, the PR system would allocate 40 percent of the seats for it in parliament. “PR is a good election system. I support it and I have even written a book on why it’s necessary for Bangladesh. However, we won’t be able to implement it in the next national election because we’re not ready. Our government, political parties and voters are unprepared for it,” said renowned election expert Dr Tofail Ahmed. Read more: Bangladesh needs election-time neutral govt for fair polls: Speakers  He noted that around 70 to 80 countries currently practise some form of proportional representation system worldwide. “It’s encouraging that political parties are advocating for the introduction of the system. However, our voters lack knowledge about it. We must first educate them, and this process will take time to ensure people understand it,” he said. Besides, the election expert said the PR system encompasses various forms and definitions, reflecting different approaches to achieving proportionality in electoral outcomes. “We need a political consensus on which one we will adopt.” He said that a significant barrier to implementing this system is that major parties may not accept it, as it could disrupt their dominant power and make it more difficult for them to secure a majority. “The BNP and Awami League are our two main parties, sharing the support of the majority of voters in the country. The BNP is opposing this system, and we aren’t hearing the views from the Awami League due to the current political situation. I believe they may also not support it. Even if Jamaat had a larger voter base, they likely would not back it either,” Tofail said. He stated that smaller parties are in favour of the PR system, as it would provide them with the opportunity to secure seats that they might not obtain under the existing system. “So, implementation of this system is very challenging. We should give the political parties time to understand the PR process and its benefits. It won’t be wise to impose by the interim government without political consensus,” Tofail observed. He said the reform commission on the constitution can propose incorporating a guideline in the national charter for the introduction of the system and its implementation in phases. The election expert pointed out that the BNP is discussing a bicameral parliament and a national government, which could ensure the participation of people from diverse backgrounds in governance, creating a balance of power and facilitating lawmaking. “We should now focus on these two issues alongside the restoration of the caretaker government.” BNP seeks election roadmap, new EC based on political consensus Chairman of the Jatiya Nirbachon Parjabekkhon Parishad-Janipop, Prof Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah, said the PR system exists in various forms in about 80 countries worldwide, and he has been advocating for its implementation since the 1990s. He emphasised that it is crucial to convince the major political parties about the PR system. “Otherwise, it won’t be possible to introduce this system in the future.” Former bureaucrat Abu Alam Md Shahid Khan proposed a mixed electoral system that combines proportional representation (PR) with the existing traditional system by increasing the number of parliamentary constituencies from 300 to 450. “In that case, the current electoral system could apply to 300 constituencies, while the PR system would be used for 150 constituencies,” he explained. On October 9, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami presented a 10-point state reform proposal, including the introduction of the PR system. During a seminar on electoral reform on October 12, Jamaat leader Dr Shafiqul Islam Masud, Ganosamhati Andolan Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki, Gana Adhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque, Jatiya Party Presidium member Shameem Haider Patwary, and CPB General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince all advocated for the PR system. Additionally, some Islamic parties, including Islami Andolan Bangladesh, have also called for its introduction. Contacted, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the PR system is not suitable for Bangladesh. “We won’t support it. This method is not practised in Bangladesh, so there is no question of its application in the next election.” Read more: In FB post AL accuse interim govt of protecting the criminals