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Similar to the 13th National Parliament election, posters will not be used in local government elections, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahman El Masud has announced.
In a special interview with the state news agency BSS, he stated, “Among the important changes coming to the local government election rules, one is that there will be no posters in these elections. We, the Election Commission (EC), are in favour of not having posters in local government elections.”
The senior election commissioner informed that initiatives have been taken to amend the local government election rules, and several significant changes are being introduced in the revised regulations.
He mentioned that the current provision for submitting nomination papers online will be cancelled. Similarly, the rule for using EVMs will also be removed. Local government elections will be held completely non-partisan, meaning party symbols cannot be used.
The current obligation for independent candidates to submit signatures from 1 percent of voters as support is also being cancelled, he added.
Additionally, the amount of security deposits will be increased for all levels of local government elections except for Upazila elections. However, the exact amount cannot be specified yet.
Abdur Rahman El Masud stated that there will be no provision for expatriate voting or postal voting in local government elections. Simultaneously, fugitive criminals will not be able to become candidates. Specifically, anyone indicted in cases under the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Act will not be eligible to participate in local government elections.
He said that work is underway to bring necessary changes to the local government election rules to make the elections neutral, free, beautiful, and fair.
The amended rules will be finalized after Eid, he informed, adding that the entire rule-making process will be completed by June. A meeting has already been held on this matter. If another meeting can be held before Eid, the draft rules can be presented to the Commission.
When asked when local government elections might begin, he replied that elections could start by the end of this year. The Commission hopes to commence local government elections from October.
The senior election commissioner emphasized four key factors for organizing fair elections.
Firstly, the government’s perspective. He stated that what the government wants and its viewpoint is most crucial. For this, the government must remain neutral.
Secondly, the perspective of political parties. What do they want? Will they resort to violence and clashes, or will they act responsibly in the interest of the country? He said there will be competition in elections, but not conflict.
Thirdly, the Election Commission’s uncompromising stance. He said the EC is committed to being neutral. Although the EC has no inherent power, it must ‘roar’ from a position of principle and firmness to ensure the entire process is fair.
Fourthly, the conduct of individuals involved in the electoral process. Millions of people are on election duty. If a presiding officer sincerely states, ‘I will not allow fraudulent votes, or any irregular activities,’ then it depends on their honesty, personality, and leadership qualities.
He stressed that 100 percent integrity is needed, along with leadership capability.
In response to a question about organizing violence-free and fair local government elections, Abdur Rahman El Masud told BSS that it requires 100 percent cooperation from the government and sincere support from political parties. The neutral role of the government is extremely important, and neutrality should be maintained in elections for the government’s own interest.
He said violence is primarily a law and order issue. Anyone creating conflict will be punished according to the penal code. However, merely strict application of the law is not enough to solve the problem. In this regard, political parties must also have clear commitments.
According to him, although local government elections are non-partisan, candidates practically receive political support. When a candidate supported by one party enters the field, rivals from other parties also emerge. In such a situation, if political parties lack their own internal political commitment and engage in conflict themselves, the election environment is disrupted.
He informed that political parties will be collectively requested not to escalate the election environment, and to refrain from fighting, vandalism, pushing, or stick-wielding. They should not engage in partisan activities or attempts to create tension.
In this context, he remarked, “What will we do if they don’t cooperate? If a player fouls all day, how many fouls will the referee call?”
He noted that the two major political alliances adhered to the code of conduct in the 13th National Parliament election. There were very few incidents of major trouble, polling station occupation, or ballot snatching on election day. Political parties should be credited for this.
He further added that sufficient police will be deployed to maintain a fair voting environment. Returning officers, presiding officers, and polling staff will perform their duties independently.
However, he warned that no one would be spared if any irregularity or fraud is detected.
He stated that the power to close polling stations exists in law and regulations if necessary. Strict measures will be taken based on the situation.
Expressing optimism, he said, “We hope the upcoming local government elections will be peaceful and fair.”