Deposit forfeited if candidates fail to get 15 percent votes in UP elections

The Election Commission (EC) has proposed a series of changes to the rules ahead of the local government elections. Under the proposal, the conditions for candidates to get their deposits back in Union Parishad (UP) elections will become stricter. The minimum required share of votes has been proposed to increase from 12 percent of the votes cast to 15 percent. At the same time, the deposit for chairman candidates will be increased. The limit on candidates' election expenses will also be raised.

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud told Agamir Somoy that there are mainly two major changes. These are increasing candidates' deposits and raising the percentage of votes required to get the deposit back. Some minor changes are also being made.

Regarding the deposits, he said, “The proposed deposit is Tk 25,000 for chairman candidates and Tk 5,000 for member candidates. Previously, the deposit for the chairman post was Tk 5,000. The deposit for general and reserved member posts was Tk 1,000.”

Regarding the return of deposits, he said the previous rule required candidates to secure 12 percent of the votes cast. A proposal has been made to increase it to 15 percent. Rahmanel Masud also said the draft rules have already been sent to the relevant authorities. After completing the process, the rules will be finalized with an SRO number.

However, election analysts believe the proposal to increase deposits for candidates in UP elections will put additional pressure on them. Monira Khan, president of the election monitoring organization FEMA, said, “If the deposit is increased to Tk 25,000 and other expenses also increase at the same rate, it will put additional pressure on candidates. However, if the deposit is linked to holding candidates accountable, it could have a positive aspect.”

Monira Khan said, “Alongside the provision that the deposit will be forfeited if a candidate fails to secure a certain percentage of votes, there could also be a provision to forfeit the deposit in cases of violations of election laws and the code of conduct. That could make the provision meaningful.”

The FEMA president said, “At present, a deposit of Tk 25,000 is not a very large amount. However, increasing the deposit will only be meaningful when there is a mechanism to ensure accountability of candidates. At the same time, if provisions are introduced to reduce expenses in various areas of election campaigning, including posters, wall writing, meetings and processions, candidates' overall election expenses can also be reduced. Otherwise, merely increasing the deposit and raising candidates' expenses would not be appropriate.”

Changes proposed in the rules

In the proposed amendments, the Election Commission has proposed setting the election expense limit at Tk 1 million for chairman candidates and Tk 200,000 for member candidates.

Provisions for punishment have been proposed for threatening or intimidating election officials and employees or obstructing them from performing their duties. In addition, provisions regarding assistance to visually impaired and physically disabled voters during voting are being clarified further. The rules propose specifying how such voters will receive assistance when necessary.

The EC has also proposed forming committees after the announcement of the election schedule to monitor election offences and violations of the code of conduct. The committees will monitor violations of election rules and oversee the process of taking necessary action.

There is also a proposal to suspend election results after an investigation if any irregularities occur. The EC would also have the power to order voting again if necessary. In addition, the commission would have the power to cancel a candidate's candidacy in cases of violations of the rules or code of conduct.

Interministerial meeting today

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said an interministerial meeting will discuss various issues related to preparations for the local government elections. He said the possible schedule for the local government elections has not yet been finalized. The schedule will be finalized after collecting necessary information and opinions from relevant parties.

Regarding the possible schedule, he said these are still “tentative dates.” They will be finalized based on discussions at the interministerial meeting and information received from relevant parties.

EC to hold series of meetings on local government elections

The Election Commission will hold a series of meetings with various stakeholders this month to advance preparations for the UP elections.

As part of the process, the commission will meet with relevant stakeholders on September 21 to discuss election security and the law-and-order situation. In addition, the dialogue may be held in three phases on September 23, 24 and 25. Registered political parties will be invited.