EC to ban posters, party symbols
The Election Commission (EC) is set to introduce significant reforms to local government elections, including a ban on campaign posters, the removal of party symbols, and the scrapping of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), in a bid to ensure neutral and peaceful polls.
Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud told the media that the EC has initiated amendments to the local government election regulations, with the revised rules expected to be finalised after Eid and fully implemented by June.
Under the proposed changes, both buyers and sellers of properties will have to declare actual transaction values in their income tax returns, and taxes will
be applied at the relevant rates.
The current online nomination system will be abolished, and independent candidates will no longer need to submit signatures from one percent of voters in support of their candidacy.
In addition, election security deposits will be increased for all levels of local government elections, except Upazila polls, though the exact amounts are yet to be determined.
Rahmanel Masud said local government elections would be conducted entirely on a non-party basis, with political party symbols prohibited.
Expatriate voting and postal ballots will also not be allowed, while fugitive accused persons, including those charged under the ICT Act, will be ineligible to contest.
The EC is aiming to ensure elections are fair, neutral, and peaceful. “We have no enforcement power of our own, but we must uphold neutrality and fairness through principled action,” Rahmanel Masud said.
Regarding the election timeline, he indicated that polls could begin towards the end of the year, with the process potentially starting in October.
He stressed four key priorities for credible elections: government neutrality, responsible conduct by political parties, uncompromising EC oversight, and the integrity of election officials.
He called on political parties to avoid inflaming tensions and said that while adequate police would be deployed, all returning officers, presiding officers, and polling staff must carry out their duties independently. “Any irregularities will be met with strict action,” he added.
Rahmanel Masud also praised the country’s two major political alliances for largely complying with the election code of conduct during the 13th parliamentary elections, resulting in comparatively fewer incidents of violence and disruption on polling day.
