Bangladesh interim government has issued the Representation of the People (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, allowing registered political parties to form electoral alliances while retaining their respective party symbols in elections.
The Law Ministry published the ordinance in the official gazette on Monday.
The ordinance introduces several key changes to electoral laws. It disqualifies individuals declared fugitives by a court from contesting Jatiya Sangsad (JS) polls and removes all provisions related to electronic voting machines (EVMs), a system previously introduced by the former government and widely criticised.
A new provision allows voters to cast a 'no vote' against a candidate. Importantly, candidates from alliance-forming parties must contest under their own party symbols rather than a common one.
The Council of Advisers, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, approved the ordinance draft during its weekly meeting at Tejgaon on October 23.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) objected to the amendment of Article 20 of the RPO, urging the authorities to retain the previous rule that allowed alliance partners to use a common symbol. The request was rejected.
Other notable provisions include:
Government employees conducting polls and Bangladeshi expatriates can vote via postal ballots.
Members of the army, navy, and air force are now included under 'law enforcement agencies' for election purposes.
Security deposits for candidates have been raised from Tk 20,000 to Tk 50,000. Donations of Tk 50,000 or more must be made through banking channels, and donors must have a valid tax identification number.
If a political party's activities are suspended, its registration and reserved election symbol will also be suspended, though the party itself will not be considered illegal.
Election spending limits have been revised: candidates may now spend up to the higher of Tk 25 lakh or Tk 10 per voter.
Affidavit requirements are stricter: candidates must submit latest tax returns, disclose domestic and foreign income, and provide detailed assets and liabilities. Affidavits, particularly asset statements, will be published on the Election Commission website.
The Election Commission may investigate and take legal action if a candidate provides false information.
Elected representatives can be recalled during their five-year term for misconduct or false information.
Presiding officers retain authority to continue or suspend voting at their centres.
District election officers, with Election Commission approval, will determine polling station locations.
Heads or members of governing bodies of educational institutions -- including private schools, colleges, and madrasas -- are disqualified from parliamentary elections.
Executives of state-owned companies with more than 50% government ownership are also ineligible.
The Election Commission may cancel results in entire constituencies if irregularities are found, regulate AI use in elections, and disqualify candidates post-election if affidavits contain false information.
The ordinance is expected to have a major impact on the upcoming parliamentary elections, particularly in how political alliances approach candidate nominations and campaign strategies.