Staff Reporter:
The Election Commission (EC) has finalized the draft amendment to the Representation of the People Order, 1972 (RPO) and sent it to the Law Ministry on the occasion of the 13th national election.
Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd.) Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah announced the key changes at a press briefing at the EC headquarters in city yesterday.
In key amendments, court-declared fugitives will be disqualified from voting or contesting.
If anyone proves false information then it may lead to cancellation of candidacy or MP seat.
Single candidates must face a ‘no vote’; if ‘no’ wins, re-election will be held.
Unopposed election has been abolished and as a result, no one can be elected without voting.
Own party symbol is mandatory and alliance candidates must contest under their own party’s symbol.
Presiding officer has been empowered and he or she will have full authority to continue or halt voting at polling centers.
EVM has been abolished in the amendments. Postal ballots have been reintroduced for expatriates, gov-ernment staff, election workers and those in custody.
In media access matter, journalists are allowed during vote counting with prior permission.
