EC to decide whether MPO teachers can contest local polls

The Election Commission will decide whether teachers receiving government MPO benefits can contest local government elections, said State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat, the state minister said the Election Commission is responsible for framing election rules and determining candidates’ eligibility and disqualification.

''The Election Commission will examine the relevant laws, including the policies of the Education Ministry, and decide whether MPO-listed teachers can participate in elections.''

The state minister also said there is currently no mandatory educational qualification for candidates seeking to contest local government elections.

He added that the final decision on the eligibility of MPO-listed teachers would therefore rest with the Election Commission.