Election Commission (EC) has drafted the Representation of the People Order (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, [RPO] proposing significant changes, including the introduction of a ‘No Vote’ option, involvement of the armed forces as law enforcement agencies, and limiting candidates to contesting in no more than two constituencies.
The draft RPO also enhances the EC’s authority to suspend elections and cancel the candidacy of elected members of parliament if discrepancies are found in affidavits or statements of income and expenditure, reports UNB.
Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud confirmed on Monday that the draft is almost finalized. He stated, “The only matter still under review concerns expatriate voters. The draft will soon be sent to the law ministry for promulgation as an ordinance.”
The draft law proposes giving the EC the authority to halt elections in a whole constituency if irregularities are found, a power removed by the Awami League in 2023 before the 2024 polls. It also adds the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force to the list of law enforcement agencies, alongside the Police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and Coast Guard. These forces were previously excluded from the law during the Awami League’s first term post-2008 elections, limiting their role to being striking forces during the past three general elections.
Another proposed change would give the EC the power to investigate any candidate’s affidavit even after the election and cancel the candidacy if discrepancies are found. In such cases, the EC could call for a fresh election within five years.
Key changes in the draft include:
A ‘No Vote’ option to prevent uncontested elections. If only one candidate remains, that person will contest against the ‘No Vote’ option. If ‘No Vote’ wins, a new election will be scheduled.
Provisions to prevent candidates from contesting in more than two constituencies simultaneously.
New Articles 5(3) and 5(4) enhancing the EC’s authority over government departments and officials, including the power to take punitive action against negligent officers.
Increased authority for presiding officers to suspend polling in cases of disruption or tampering.
The proposed law also mandates that candidates disclose the income sources and assets of their dependents. The draft law will ensure that the EC has more control over government departments and will empower it to take necessary actions against violations of electoral rules.
The next national election in Bangladesh is expected in early February 2026, with preparations already underway.