RPO amended: Candidates must contest own party symbol

Staff Reporter :

The government has issued an ordinance amending the Representation of the People Order (RPO), making it mandatory for candidates to contest elections under their own party’s symbol, even if they are part of an electoral alliance.

The Law Ministry issued the gazette notification on Monday (3 November) following the policy approval of the Advisory Council. The information became public on Tuesday morning.

According to the newly issued amendment to Article 20 of the RPO, a candidate nominated by a political alliance must now contest the election using the symbol of their respective registered political party.

This means that alliance-backed candidates can no longer use the electoral symbol of another party within the coalition.

Previously, under the earlier provision, candidates from smaller registered parties within an alliance could contest elections using the symbol of a larger allied party.

This arrangement had allowed several candidates from smaller parties to secure parliamentary seats in past elections using the symbols of dominant coalition partners.

The amendment, however, has drawn objections from several political parties. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has formally protested the change, submitting a written objection to the Chief Election Commissioner.

The party has urged the authorities to withdraw the new provision and restore the previous version of Article 20.

Government officials stated that the amendment aims to ensure clarity and transparency in electoral representation by strengthening the link between candidates and their respective political parties.

The new ordinance, now in effect, will apply to all upcoming national elections.