Election Commission’s New RPO: Opportunity to Vote ‘No’ for Unopposed Candidates

The Election Commission (EC) on Monday (August 11) in its ninth meeting made several important decisions regarding amendments to the Representation of the People Order (RPO). According to the new provision, if there is a single candidate in any electoral constituency, voters will have the opportunity to cast a ‘No’ vote against that candidate. However, this option will apply only in cases of unopposed candidates and not in other constituencies.

In the meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner A. M. M. Nasir Uddin, Commissioner Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah stated that even if candidates contest under an alliance, they must vote for their own party’s symbol. Additionally, the definition of law enforcement agencies has been expanded to include the armed forces. As a result, during elections, the EC may deploy the army, navy, and air force to maintain law and order if necessary.

Since the current electoral rules provide for the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), all EVM-related provisions have now been removed from the RPO.

If irregularities are detected during the election, the Election Commission can annul the results of the entire constituency. Furthermore, if election officials are negligent in their duties, prompt investigations and appropriate actions will be mandatory. There is also a provision for cancellation of candidature and disqualification from MP seats if false information is submitted in nomination papers.

The commission also decided that during election observation, media personnel will be allowed to attend, but once vote counting begins, they must remain present for the entire duration without leaving midway.

The Election Commission will finalize the proposed amendments to the RPO and send them to the ministry next week. Upon ministry approval, these changes will be enforced as an ordinance.

These reforms are expected to make the election process more transparent, fair, and accountable.