Dhaka:The Election Commission (EC) has committed to a stringent enforcement of the electoral code of conduct for the forthcoming Union Parishad (UP) elections.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin emphasized that no concessions would be made in enforcing the code, with legal action to be taken against those engaging in voter intimidation, obstructing election officials, or other violations. Offenses could lead to up to two years of imprisonment or fines up to Tk 10,000.
The EC may suspend or cancel election results in cases of significant irregularities, and candidates found violating the code could have their candidature canceled. The use of posters is banned, with specific materials permitted for campaigns. Violations could result in six months of imprisonment or fines.
Nasir Uddin highlighted the need for political party cooperation and assured the presence of observers and journalists to ensure transparency. The EC aims to complete the elections within the scheduled timeframe, which spans five phases in 2027, starting January 21 and ending May 27.
Brigadier General Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah (Retd) noted that elections must be completed for approximately 4,300 Union Parishads by May 27, 2027, with up to 1,000 Union Parishads voting in each phase.