CA Yunus Announces Referendum and National Polls to Be Held Simultaneously in February

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus announced in a televised national address on Thursday that the referendum on the July National Charter-2025 and the national parliamentary polls will be held on the same day in the first half of February next year.

The Council of Advisers decided to hold both the constitutional referendum and the national election concurrently to make the process "more festive and affordable."

The Council approved the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order, 2025, marking a key step toward realizing the reform commitments signed by major political parties.

The ballot will feature a single question: "Do you agree to the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order, 2025, and the following constitutional reform proposals enshrined in the July National Charter?"

Procedures for forming the caretaker government, EC, and other constitutional bodies according to the July Charter during election time.

The establishment of a bicameral parliament with a 100-member Upper House, whose approval is required for any constitutional amendment.

Obligation for the winning party to implement 30 agreed-upon proposals covering issues like judicial independence, increasing women's representation, and expanding the President's powers.

Implementation of all other reforms stated in the July Charter. A Constitutional Reform Council will be formed with representatives elected in the parliamentary election. This Council will amend the constitution within 180 working days.

Subsequently, the Upper House will be formed within 30 days based on the vote share in the election.

Professor Yunus outlined the interim government's three main responsibilities since the August Uprising, Significant progress has been made on trials for massacres during the Uprising, with the International Crimes Tribunal set to deliver its first verdict soon. Trials for enforced disappearances have also begun.

Major progress has been achieved in judicial independence, financial sector transparency, digitalization, and curbing corruption through ordinances and law amendments.

Preparations are underway to conduct the national elections in a "festive, participatory and fair manner" in February.

The Chief Adviser thanked political parties for their cooperation in reaching a consensus on the Charter, calling it an "unprecedented event."