The Election Commission has declared a zero-tolerance policy against electoral fraud ahead of election.
To ensure the transparency and credibility of voting process, the commission has warned that any individual found guilty of malpractice will face immediate legal action, including arrests and the filing of criminal cases.
This stance follows historical concerns regarding electoral irregularities and public mistrust that have persisted since the country’s independence.
Strict legal penalties for offenders Under the provisions of the Representation of the People Order (RPO) 1972, specifically Articles 73 to 87, electoral fraud is classified as a punishable criminal offence.
Those found engaging in illegal conduct at polling stations may be sentenced to a maximum of seven years’ imprisonment.
Unauthorised entry into a polling centre carries a penalty of up to six months in prison and a fine of Tk50,000. Executive and judicial magistrates will be deployed to the field to ensure that these legal consequences are strictly enforced during the polls.
Defining fraudulent voting
The integrity of the democratic process relies on the free will of the voter, and any act that subverts this is considered a serious breach.
Fraudulent voting is defined as any instance where the independent will of the voter is absent. This includes casting a ballot in the name of another person, recording a vote when the actual voter is absent, or using coercion, threats, and force to compel an individual to vote for a specific symbol.
The authorities have clarified that the existence of fraud is confirmed whenever a voter’s independent choice is compromised.
Prohibited acts and official misconduct
Article 74 of the RPO explicitly outlines various activities that constitute electoral offences, including casting multiple votes at the same or different polling centres. It is also a crime to attempt to vote while knowingly being ineligible or disqualified, or to remove ballot papers from a polling station during the election.
Moreover, the law strictly penalises anyone who seeks the assistance of, or attempts to influence, individuals employed in the service of the Republic to provide an advantage or hindrance to any candidate. Those who knowingly incite or assist others in committing these fraudulent acts will be held equally liable under the law.
