Kathmandu— Bangladesh is holding its first contested presidential election in 35 years on Thursday, with Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) competing against retired Colonel Oli Ahmad, the nominee of a Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party opposition alliance. A total of 349 members of parliament are eligible to vote between 08:00 GMT and 11:00 GMT, with results expected shortly after, according to Bangladesh’s Election Commission. The election was prompted by the resignation last month of Mohammed Shahabuddin, who served a partial five-year term following political upheaval in August 2024 and the subsequent return to power of the BNP in February. This vote marks a symbolic shift for the country as it continues to reshape its institutions two years after the uprising that ended Sheikh Hasina’s long rule.

A Shift After Decades of Uncontested Elections

The election is significant as it breaks a 35-year streak of uncontested presidential polls, with the last competitive vote held in October 1991. Every subsequent presidential election had been decided without a contest. While the outcome is largely anticipated due to the BNP’s majority in parliament—247 out of 349 lawmakers—the fact that a vote is taking place holds symbolic weight for Bangladesh.

The Candidates and Their Backgrounds

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, 78, has been a prominent figure within the BNP, serving as acting secretary-general since 2011 and formally appointed in 2016. He currently holds the position of minister for local government, rural development and cooperatives following this year’s election. At a recent party meeting, Alamgir pledged to uphold Bangladesh's independence and sovereignty with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman urging lawmakers to support him.

Ahmad, 85, is a decorated veteran of the 1971 Liberation War and chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). He previously served as communications minister under former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. His nomination is notable given that his main supporter, Jamaat-e-Islami, opposed Bangladesh’s independence in 1971.

Limited Presidential Powers

Despite the historic nature of the election, experts note the limited executive authority vested in the president by Bangladesh’s constitution. Article 48(3) stipulates that the president must act on the prime minister's advice, except when appointing the prime minister and chief justice. Ali Riaz, a political scientist involved in state reform efforts, stated, “It’s good to see that someone who has been at the forefront of the democratic movement will be occupying the office of the president…However, the presidential election has very little significance due to the limited powers of the president.” He also pointed out that plans for an upper house of parliament with greater power have yet to be realized.

Calls for Accountability and Democratic Reform

The election comes two years after a period of unrest in 2024, during which over 1,400 people were killed by security forces. Sanjida Khan Deepti, the mother of one victim, expressed cautious optimism about Shahabuddin’s departure and the new presidential vote but questioned whether MPs would be truly free to choose based on their conscience. She highlighted Article 70 of the constitution—which can lead to a lawmaker losing their seat for voting against their party line—and asked if it should apply in this instance, arguing that lawmakers should be able to vote for who they believe is best for the country.

Thursday’s election will mark a rare moment in Bangladesh's political landscape: for the first time in over three decades, lawmakers will have two candidates on the ballot when choosing the nation’s next head of state.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.