Dhaka – The interim government has unveiled amendments to the Representation of the People Order (RPO), detailing changes to the electoral laws for Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, expected to be held in February next year.
The Ministry of Law published the amended RPO in an official gazette on Tuesday. Among its many provisions, it empowers election authorities to suspend voting in any parliamentary constituency.
A key amendment stipulates that any individual declared a “fugitive” by a court will be ineligible to become a Member of Parliament and is therefore disqualified from contesting the election.
Another provision introduces a “No Vote” option, eliminating the possibility of a candidate running unopposed in a constituency.
The interim administration, led by Muhammad Yunus, previously announced that the election would be held in the first half of February. While the Election Commission has yet to fix a date, officials have hinted that the election schedule will be announced in December.
Other significant changes in the amended electoral law include: scrapping all clauses related to Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), making the spread of false information or ‘fake news’ a punishable offense. It also includes members of the armed forces in the definition of law enforcement agencies during elections, and made ineligible individuals affiliated with the governing body of any educational institution from running for office.
The following is a detailed summary of the amendments under the Representation of the People (Amendment)Order 2025:
‘No Vote’ against a single candidate
If only one valid candidate remains in a constituency, the election will be contested between that candidate and the ‘No Vote’ option. The candidate will be declared elected only if he receives more votes than the ‘No Vote’ option. If the ‘No Vote’ count is higher, the Returning Officer will call a fresh election. Should only one candidate run again in the subsequent election and still receive fewer votes than ‘No Vote,’ the individual will nevertheless be declared elected. (This specific provision is only effective for the second election.)
All EVM-related clauses cancelled
Sections of Article 26 of the RPO, which permitted the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), have been repealed. Furthermore, Articles 26A, 26B, 26C, and 26D, all pertaining to EVMs, have been abolished entirely.
Postal ballot for expatriates
The scope for postal voting has been expanded to include eligible expatriate Bangladeshis. Voters must register through a digital platform determined by the Commission. Each postal ballot will have a unique identification number for personalization and tracking. Other eligible groups for postal ballots include government employees working in a different area, individuals in jail or lawful custody, and officials on electoral duty.
Candidacy barred for ‘fugitives’
Any individual declared a ‘fugitive’ by a court is now ineligible to become a Member of Parliament. A new sub-clause (Article 12(1)(aa)) has been inserted into the RPO to enforce this.
False information or ‘Fake News’ a punishable
A new Article (73A) has been added, making it a corrupt practice to create or disseminate knowingly false or misleading information—including images, videos, audio, or AI-generated content — with the intent to damage a candidate’s reputation or disrupt the election. This applies from the gazette’s publication until results are announced. Individuals, political parties, campaign firms, or media entities involved will be held jointly liable.
Income tax return and full asset details
Candidates must now submit a copy of their latest income tax return with their nomination paper. The accompanying affidavit must include a full statement of assets, both domestic and international, as well as the assets of dependents. This affidavit will be published on the Election Commission’s website.
Increase in candidate’s deposit money
The candidate’s deposit, to be submitted during nomination filing, has been increased from 20,000 taka to 50,000 taka.
EC’s power on MP’s disqualification
Should a dispute arise regarding an MP’s disqualification after the election, the Election Commission can, on its own initiative or upon receiving information, hear and settle the matter. The Commission’s decision will be final (Article 12(8)).
Strictness on unauthorized entry at polling centers
Candidates, their agents, party workers, or any influential persons are prohibited from loitering or crowding within the polling station or its designated perimeter. The Presiding Officer and law enforcement agencies are empowered to remove or arrest violators, an offense punishable under RPO Article 79.
EC’s power to suspend elections
The Commission is now empowered to suspend elections in any polling center or entire constituency if it is satisfied that coercion, intimidation, corrupt practices, or an ‘Act of God’ make a lawful election impossible.
Transparency in political party funds
Political parties must now transparently publish details of all donation funds received on their official websites.
In case of a tie in vote count
If two or more candidates receive an equal number of votes, a fresh election will be held exclusively among the tied candidates.
