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Published : 14 Jul 2025, 10:57 AM
Ahead of the 13th parliamentary elections, the Election Commission (EC) is now looking towards the National Consensus Commission for amendments to the Representation of the People Order (RPO).
EC officials say that many recommendations from the Electoral Reform Commission are under consideration. However, the final amendments to the RPO will be determined based on which recommendations gain consensus among political parties. For that reason, the EC will wait until the end of this month.
On Jul 8, the National Consensus Commission and the EC held talks on the implementation of recommendations made by the Electoral Reform Commission.
Subsequently, on Jul 10, the EC held a meeting on several matters, including recommendations for RPO amendments. The chief election commissioner (CEC) and other election commissioners will further review several RPO-related recommendations before finalising them.
Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said on Saturday that the commission was still reviewing the RPO.
"We are willing to include any of the [election] reform commission’s recommendations that are feasible. We’re giving priority to the views of the Consensus Commission, considering what would be most beneficial," he said.
There is already consensus among political parties on several key issues, including reintroducing the “No” vote, holding new elections if the number of “No” votes exceeds that of any candidate, limiting the number of constituencies from which a person can submit nominations, and determining qualifications and disqualifications of candidates and their affidavits.
Commissioner Masud added that public opinion needs to be reflected in the key recommendations from the reform commission, and the EC is taking consensus seriously.
One of the recommendations is to return to the EC the power to cancel voting across an entire constituency, not just a single centre, if force, coercion, or misconduct is proven at any stage of the election, including polling day.
Jasmine Tuli, a member of the Electoral Reform Commission, said: “If the EC regains the authority to suspend elections at any stage via RPO reform, its power will be more visible. The overall reform recommendations aim to strengthen the EC, and now those reforms need implementation.”
In support of reintroducing the "No" vote in the 13th national polls, election analyst and reform commission member Abdul Alim said that the version introduced in 2008 was ineffective because it had no mechanism to invalidate the election.
“We proposed that if less than 40 percent of votes are cast, a re-election should be held in that area. We also suggested restoring the EC’s authority to cancel voting for an entire constituency in case of irregularities. The reform commission submitted around 117 amendments, many of which were aimed at empowering the EC.”
RECOMMENDATIONS UNDER DISCUSSION
- The current definition of law enforcement includes the police, Armed Police Battalion, Rapid Action Battalion, Ansar, Battalion Ansar, Border Guard Bangladesh, Bangladesh Coast Guard, and BNCC. Now, there is a recommendation to add the Armed Forces or the defence department.
- Enabling online submission of nomination papers, in addition to in-person submission to returning officers.
- Proposing minimum educational qualifications for parliamentary candidates. Currently, no education qualification is required, and even self-educated individuals can run. This has sparked criticism after a similar requirement was discussed for local government elections.
- Proposing that a candidate can contest in a maximum of two constituencies. The reform commission, however, suggested allowing candidacy in only one. Currently, candidates can run in up to three.
- Recommending that candidates face off against the "No" vote. If only one candidate remains after withdrawal, they must still compete with the “No” vote. If the “No” vote receives more ballots than the candidate, a re-election must be held.
- EC to facilitate candidate campaigning. This has been included in the draft code of conduct.
- Considering an IT-assisted postal voting system for expatriates. Voters must register online to express their interest.
- Addition of billboards to election campaigning. This has been included in the new code of conduct.
WAITING FOR CONSENSUS
Election Commissioner Masud is responsible for drafting, amending, and supervising activities related to electoral laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines, along with oversight of the electoral inquiry committees.
He said that the revised RPO will include the Armed Forces in the definition of law enforcement. However, the EC’s role in handling candidate campaigns involves financial considerations.
He noted that the ongoing dialogue with political parties under the National Consensus Commission has not yet addressed the issue of the “No” vote. If consensus is reached, the EC will consider including it.
“There is a recommendation that, in case of irregularities, the entire constituency’s voting process be halted as per the law. To facilitate this, the word ‘election’ may replace ‘polling day’ in the law, restoring the EC’s earlier authority.”
He added that there are two aspects to false information in affidavits: loan default, which is tied to disqualification, and misstatements about assets, which would be addressed under general law.
The date for the EC’s next meeting on the RPO amendments has not yet been set. However, in addition to its internal review, the EC is awaiting input from the consensus panel.
“We are currently waiting to incorporate whatever emerges from consensus. We’ve set a timeline. After a bit more review, we will finalise it.”
He added that it would be beneficial for the EC if the consensus panel delivers its decision by the end of July.
