Party symbols will no longer be used in local polls

The interim government has issued an ordinance repealing the provisions set for the allocation of party symbols in local government elections.

As a result, party symbols will no longer be used in these elections.

With the issuance of this ordinance on Monday, amending the laws governing Union Parishads, Upazila Parishads, municipalities, and city corporations, there will no longer be a legal provision for party nominations in future local government elections.

On 1 July, the Ministry of Local Government sent four separate draft ordinances on this matter to the Cabinet Division. After receiving approval from the Advisory Council on 24 July and consent from the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division, the ordinances have now been published in a form of gazette.

The decision to use party symbols in local government elections was made in 2015 during the Awami League government’s tenure. Since then, various political parties and election experts had been demanding an end to the use of party symbols in these elections.

The Election System Reform Commission and the Local Government Reform Commission, both formed by the interim government, also recommended the removal of party symbols. Concerned individuals believe that eliminating this provision will encourage many qualified individuals who are not directly affiliated with a political party to become interested in running for election.