Dhaka: The government has officially issued the Representation of the People Order (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, bringing significant reforms to the electoral framework of the country. The amendment, which was signed by President Md Shahabuddin, has come into immediate effect.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the new ordinance introduces regulations on postal ballots, streamlines vote counting procedures, and enhances the enforcement and adjudication powers of election officials. It also strengthens the judicial authority and accountability of specific polling officers.
A notable inclusion in the amendment is Article 27, which invalidates postal ballots that are unmarked, marked for multiple symbols, ambiguously marked, received late, or missing the voter’s declaration. Furthermore, Article 37A establishes a formal procedure for counting postal ballots, designating the Returning Officer’s office as the official polling station for this task. The Presiding Officer, along with appointed Polling Officers, will conduct the count in the presence of contesting candidates or their agents.
The amendment mandates that the authenticated results be submitted to the Returning Officer, who will incorporate them into the constituency’s consolidated results per Article 37. Additionally, the ordinance introduces significant changes to the enforcement and adjudication of electoral offenses. Article 91AA establishes the Electoral Enquiry and Adjudication Committee (EEAC), which is empowered to conduct summary trials for specified offenses.
The EEAC is granted the authority of a first-class Magistrate under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, and can refer other offenses to the competent court. Police and security officials, including the Superintendent of Police, Police Commissioner, and Officer-in-Charge, are required to assist in election duties and EEAC functions, with failure to comply considered misconduct. Administrative support is also mandated, with Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers tasked with aiding election officials and the EEAC.
The comprehensive overhaul aims to ensure more transparent, accountable, and efficient electoral processes across Bangladesh.