Mandatory to Contest Under Own Party Symbol, Even as Alliance Candidate

The government has issued the ‘Representation of the People Order (RPO) Amendment Ordinance, 2025’, mandating that in the national parliamentary elections, alliance-nominated candidates must contest under their own party symbol. If a candidate’s party is registered with the Election Commission, the candidate must run on their own party’s symbol even if nominated by an alliance.

Amendments to Section 20 of the RPO, requiring each party to contest on its own symbol in alliance elections, faced objections from BNP and its allied parties. BNP formally submitted objections to the Election Commission and the Ministry of Law. Meanwhile, Jamaat, National Citizens Party (NCP), and the Islami Andolon Chormonai Pirs supported the amendments. Conflicting statements from parties created political tension, but the government ultimately maintained the amendment and gazetted it on Monday night.

On October 23, the Advisory Council approved the RPO amendment based on the Election System Reform Commission’s recommendation. The change to Section 20 added the provision that in alliance elections, each party must contest on its own symbol.

BNP opposed this change and submitted a letter to the Election Commission. Permanent Committee member Salahuddin Ahmad, along with legal advisor Professor Asif Nazrul, submitted written objections. BNP demanded that alliance-nominated candidates should be able to contest under any party symbol within the alliance, as previously allowed. The 12-party alliance also sent a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner expressing the same.

Jamaat and NCP opposed BNP and its allies’ position and sent letters to CEC and the Ministry of Law urging the maintenance of the amended RPO.

The Advisory Council held an emergency meeting on the conflicting positions, but no change in decision was made. Advisors suggested further review by the Ministry of Law.

Analysts say the new provision could disadvantage BNP in vote counting while benefiting Jamaat and allied smaller parties. Smaller parties rely on alliances with BNP to win seats. If BNP yields seats to alliance candidates, independent or rebel candidates could complicate outcomes.

Other provisions in the amended RPO include: fugitives cannot contest, entire constituency votes may be canceled if irregularities occur, EVM use abolished, option for ‘no’ vote, mandatory disclosure of candidate income and assets, armed forces participation at polling stations, security deposit raised from 20,000 to 50,000 taka, overseas and official voters allowed postal votes, media presence at counting, re-election in case of tie, disclosure of election expenses, suspension of party symbol if party registration is suspended, maximum fine or six-month imprisonment for code of conduct violations.

Khaborwala/TSN