DHAKA, Aug 11, 2025 (BSS) - The Election Commission (EC) has finalized the draft bringing amendment in the Representation of the People Order (RPO).

The draft of the Representation of the People Order (RPO) 1972 Amendment Ordinance 2025 proposed abolition of the EVM voting system and reinstating ‘No’ vote in the upcoming 13th National Parliament Election.

“All provisions related to EVMs have been abolished while provisions for ‘No Vote’ have been reinstated in the RPO,” Election Commissioner Brigadier General Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah (Retd) told journalists today after a meeting of the EC.

He said, the Army, Navy, Air Force, along with the Bangladesh Coast Guard, have been included in the definition of law enforcement agencies in the RPO.

Explaining about the reinstatement of “No” vote provision, he said, the ‘No’ vote will be applicable for the constituency with single candidate.

“This provision will not allow a candidate to be elected unopposed. Voters will have the option to reject the candidacy of a lone candidate by exercising their ‘No’ vote right,” he said.

Sanaullah said a provision has been made for observers and media personnel to have their access in the polling centers with permission.

He said the provision regarding the EC’s authority to suspend the polling and cancel the total result of a constituency has been restored.

The Election Commission will have the authority to suspend the polling or cancel the results of one or more centers or entire constituency in case of any irregularities or rigging is found, said the election commissioner.

He said, the amendment has incorporated the provision of punishment for violating the electoral code of conduct.

He said journalists will be allowed to be present during the counting of votes. However, none will be allowed to go out of the room before ending vote counts.

Sanaullah said in case of equal number of votes of two rival candidates, the constituency will go for reelection instead of declaring a candidate winner under the existing lottery system.

Sanaullah said in the case of any alliance in the election, all partners will have to vie the election with their own election symbol. 

However, the EC will not discourage the parties to make alliance under any circumstances to run in the election, he said.