AL cannot contest in elections if suspension not lifted

Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd.) Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah has said that political parties whose activities are suspended will also lose their election symbols and will not be able to participate in the upcoming elections.

EC Sanaullah made the remarks while briefing journalists on amendments to the Representation of the People Order (RPO) at the Election Bhaban on Wednesday (September 3).

Whether candidates from such parties can run as independents will be determined later.

He clarified that if the suspension order of the Awami League (AL) is not lifted, the party will be unable to contest the 13th National Parliament elections using its registered symbol.

The amendments include adding the armed forces to the list of law enforcement agencies responsible for election duties and barring fugitives, government employees in profitable posts, and officials of institutions with 50 percent or more government shares from contesting.

The Election Commission also increased the security deposit for candidates from Tk 20,000 to Tk 50,000. Providing false information in affidavits may lead to disqualification and forfeiture of the parliamentary seat.

Sanaullah added that if a seat has only one candidate, a ‘no’ vote will appear on the ballot. Candidates in coalitions will contest under their party symbols. All provisions related to EVMs have been canceled, and election posters are prohibited. The code of conduct extends to social media, and media representatives are allowed at vote counting.