EC restores ‘no’ vote, blocks uncontested wins
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
The “no” vote has returned, closing the path to winning uncontested. Election Commission (EC) has incorporated amendments into the rules via gazette notification regarding nomination papers, affidavits, and the symbol list, which were previously implemented through circulars during the 13th National Parliamentary Election.
Amendments have been made to the National Parliament Election Law. Through these amendments, the opportunity to be elected uncontested is being halted. The “no” vote has been restored in these new rules, with the provision that the option for a “no” vote will exist only if there is a single candidate in a constituency.
These amendments were issued in gazette form under the signature of EC Secretary Akhter Ahmed. In accordance with the Representation of the People Order (RPO), the 2008 Election Law was last updated prior to the 13th parliamentary election.
Previously, the provision for a “no” vote was introduced for the first time during the ninth national parliamentary election in 2008. The following year, during the tenure of the Awami League (AL) government, that “no” vote was removed from elections.
As a result, in the election held on 5 January 2014, without the participation of the BNP-Jamaat alliance, candidates from the AL alliance won uncontested in more than half of the seats. According to election analysts, if the AL had not abolished the “no” vote provision in 2009 upon coming to power, the 2014 election would not have been an uncontested vote.
After the AL was ousted from power in the July uprising 2024, the reform commission of the interim government proposed introducing the “no” vote provision to the government.
However, although the EC headed by AMM Nasir Uddin brought back the “no” vote provision, it was not effective in the 13th parliamentary election.
According to the EC’s amended rules, if a candidate accused of a criminal offense is out on bail, submitting an attested copy of obtaining bail along with the affidavit is now optional, meaning it is acceptable even if no bail copy is submitted with the affidavit.
Moreover, providing information regarding the income tax returns of the candidate’s spouse, children, and dependents has also been made optional.
The disclosure of information regarding candidates accused in criminal cases has also been clarified in the amended rules. It has now been explained that if charges are framed against an accused person through the court, that individual will be understood as “accused”.
Provision has been made in the nomination paper (Form-1) to provide the bank account number of either the candidate or the electoral agent, whereas previously only the candidate’s account number could be used.
Following the July uprising, several initiatives were taken to reform the election conduct rules during the interim government. Ahead of the election, additions and deletions were made to the EC’s reserved symbol list following the reinstatement of Jamaat’s symbol and registration, registration of new parties including NCP, and the suspension of the AL’s registration.
Although a gazette was issued amending the election conduct rules on 11 December, the EC later brought changes to several matters following demands from stakeholders, including the BNP.
After the BNP government carried out administrative restructuring including the formation of several upazilas, a gazette was issued regarding the redelineation of boundaries for 11 constituencies, including the Thakurgaon-1.
The steps taken by the EC during the process of submitting nomination papers for the Thakurgaon-1 by-election have been added to the rules.
According to the amended rules, providing information in nomination papers and affidavits has been made easier. To facilitate symbol allocation, minor changes have been made regarding clerical errors and the serial ordering of markers.
The list of symbols for registered parties and independent candidates remains upheld.
