What Message Does it Convey To The Public?

Affidavit-Based Analysis: Context and Purpose

According to Article 12, clause (3Ka) of the Representation of the People Order, 1972, all candidates contesting in the National Parliament elections are required to submit eight types of information along with their nomination papers through an affidavit. These include details such as educational qualifications, profession and sources of income, case records, income-expenditure, assets, and liabilities of the candidates and their dependents. The responsibility of promptly disseminating this information to voters lies with the Election Commission so that voters can make informed choices in selecting their preferred candidates. At the same time, it creates an opportunity for relevant institutions to examine whether the information provided is sufficient, consistent with reality, and whether the candidate's income and asset growth align with their legitimate earnings.

As part of the effort to make such data more accessible and analytically useful, to raise voter awareness about candidates, and to assist stakeholders—including relevant institutions—in making informed decisions, TIB has undertaken this analysis of affidavit data. This initiative also aims to present an overall picture of the messages conveyed to the public through the affidavit information.

As part of this effort, TIB has developed an interactive dashboard titled “Know Your Candidate” (https://ti-bangladesh.org/kyc), through which voters can easily access eight key pieces of information about candidates in their constituency from the comfort of their homes. Institutions such as the Election Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission, National Board of Revenue, and political parties can also use this platform to conduct multi-dimensional analysis and take action within their jurisdiction.

Click below to learn more—

→ Click here to access the “Know Your Candidate” dashboard.