Dhaka: The Election Commission (EC) has finalized the draft amendment to the Representation of the People Order (RPO), marking a significant shift in the electoral process for the upcoming 13th National Parliament Election.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the draft of the RPO 1972 Amendment Ordinance 2025 proposes the removal of the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) system and reintroduces the ‘No’ vote option. Election Commissioner Brigadier General Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah (Retd) announced the changes following an EC meeting, specifying that all provisions related to EVMs have been abolished, while the ‘No Vote’ provision has been reinstated.
The revised RPO also expands the definition of law enforcement agencies to include the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Bangladesh Coast Guard. The ‘No’ vote provision will apply in constituencies with a single candidate, preventing candidates from being elected unopposed and allowing voters to reject such candidacies.
Additional amendments include provisions for observers and media personnel to access polling centers with permission. The EC’s authority to suspend polling and cancel results due to irregularities has been restored. Violations of the electoral code of conduct will now incur punishments, and journalists will be permitted to observe vote counting, though they must remain in the room until the count concludes.
In cases of a tie between two candidates, a reelection will be held instead of resolving the tie through a lottery. Election alliances will require each party to contest with its own symbol, though the EC will not discourage the formation of alliances for election participation.