Election Commission Convenes Today to Finalise RPO Amendments

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh is set to hold a crucial meeting today (Thursday) to finalise recommendations for amending the Representation of the People Order (RPO) and the Code of Conduct for political parties. The session will be chaired by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) K M Naser Uddin and is scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM at the Nirbachan Bhaban (Election Commission headquarters).

Attendees of the Meeting

The following high-ranking officials will be present at the meeting:

Provisions Under Consideration

According to sources within the EC, nearly three dozen amendments—ranging from minor to major—are expected to be finalised. Among the most significant proposed changes are:

• Voting Rights for Expatriates via Postal Ballot:
  For the first time, provisions are being drafted to allow Bangladeshi citizens living abroad to vote through postal ballots.
• Incorporation of Legal Reform Commission Recommendations:
  Prior proposals from the Law Reform Commission have been reviewed and integrated into the amendment draft.
• AI Regulation in Election Campaigning:
  In an effort to curb misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) technology during campaigns, the Commission plans to include specific restrictions in the revised Code of Conduct.
  EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed stated:

“Efforts are underway to integrate such restrictions into the Code of Conduct to ensure responsible AI usage and prevent misleading campaign materials.”

National Consensus and Legislative Process

The Commission further noted that any issues upon which a national consensus is reached during dialogues with political parties will be included in the RPO amendments.

Once the draft recommendations are approved during today’s meeting, they will be forwarded to the Legislative Wing of the Ministry of Law for vetting. Upon successful vetting and approval by the Advisory Council, the amendments will be enacted through a presidential ordinance.

Previous and Upcoming Legal Reforms

The Election Commission has already issued several ordinances and revised policies in recent months, including:

Additionally, the following three laws are currently pending vetting:

1. Election Management Rules
2. Special Provisions for Election Officers
3. EC Secretariat Law

Outlook for the General Election

Chief Election Commissioner K M Naser Uddin has already hinted that the schedule for the next general election may be announced in the second half of December.

Strategic Importance of Today’s Meeting

Given the breadth of proposed changes, today’s meeting is being viewed as a pivotal moment in the reform process. Officials involved believe it will bring the amendment of the RPO and Code of Conduct to a decisive and final stage.