The Election Commission (EC) will soon announce the schedule for the election of a new president following the resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud has said.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Masud said the election will be held within 90 days of the office of the president falling vacant, as stipulated by the constitution.

The election will be conducted within the timeframe prescribed under Article 123 of the constitution and the President’s Election Act, 1991, he said, adding that the chief election commissioner will serve as the returning officer for the election.

Masud said that, under the existing constitution, all 350 members of the Jatiya Sangsad are the voters for the presidential election. After preparing the electoral roll, the commission will announce the poll schedule.

He said voting will be held if more than one candidate contests, while if there is only one candidate, he or she will be declared elected unopposed.

The election commissioner also said that the EC is expected to decide on announcing the schedule on Sunday or shortly thereafter.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned on Friday, citing serious health complications, ending months of political speculation over his future.