Bangladesh’s Election Commission has announced the schedule for electing the country’s 23rd president after the 22nd president, Md Shahabuddin, resigned on July 24. Voting is scheduled for August 20. The deadline for submitting nominations is August 13, scrutiny will take place on August 16, and the final date for withdrawing candidacy is August 18.

Under Article 50 of the constitution, a president serves for five years from the date of assuming office, and no person may hold the office more than twice. The Election Commission arranges a presidential election when the office becomes vacant because of the end of a term, resignation or impeachment. A vacancy may also arise because of physical illness, mental reasons or serious misconduct.

The president is elected by votes of members of parliament under the current constitutional framework. Candidates must be at least 35 years old and eligible to be elected as members of parliament. The chief election commissioner conducts the election after consulting the speaker. If there is only one candidate, no vote is required. If parliament is not in session, a notification will be issued to convene it at least seven days before voting.