No Posters, EVMs or Expat Voting in Local Elections

The Election Commission (EC) is preparing to begin local government elections from October. To ensure free, fair, impartial and violence-free polls, it is introducing major changes to the electoral rules.

Under the revised regulations, posters will no longer be allowed in local elections. The use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) will also be scrapped, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said in an interview on Friday.

He said the amended rules will also remove provisions for online nomination submission. Elections will be non-partisan, with no party symbols. There will be no arrangements for expatriate voting or postal ballots. The requirement for independent candidates to submit signatures from 1 percent of voters will also be abolished. In addition, the security deposit will be increased for all tiers of local government elections except upazila polls, he added.

Abdur Rahmanel Masud also said the final revision of the rules will be completed after Eid, with the full regulatory framework expected to be finalized by June.

The senior election commissioner stressed four key factors for ensuring a credible election. First, the stance of the government, which he said must remain neutral. Second, the position of political parties, questioning whether they will act responsibly or engage in violence, adding that competition must exist but not conflict. Third, the uncompromising stance of the Election Commission, which he said is committed to neutrality despite having limited institutional power. Fourth, the conduct of those involved in the electoral process, including presiding officers and polling staff, whose integrity and leadership are essential to prevent malpractice.

He said that although local government elections are officially non-partisan, candidates in reality receive political backing. When a candidate supported by one party enters the field, rival candidates are also fielded by other sides. In such a situation, if political parties do not uphold their own commitments and instead get involved in clashes among themselves, the electoral environment becomes disturbed. He added that political parties will be formally requested not to create tension during elections and to avoid violence, vandalism, pushing, or any form of physical confrontation.

Abdur Rahmanel Masud claimed that the two major political alliances complied with the code of conduct during the 13th national parliamentary election, adding that incidents such as booth capture or ballot snatching were minimal on polling day and that political parties deserved credit for this.

He also said adequate police deployment will be ensured to maintain a peaceful environment during local elections. Returning officers, presiding officers and polling staff will be able to perform their duties independently. However, he warned that strict action will be taken against any irregularities, including the closure of polling centers, if necessary, as permitted under the law and regulations.

Source: BSS