‘No vote’ returns in next election: EC Sanaullah

The Election Commission (EC) has finalised the Representation of the People Order, 1972 (RPO) Ordinance 2025, introducing a set of amendments ahead of the 13th parliamentary election.

These include the addition of the Armed Forces Division to the definition of law enforcement agencies and the reinstatement of a “no vote” option in constituencies where there is a single candidate.

Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah disclosed the matters on Monday while talking to the media following the ninth commission meeting.

“All rules related to the electronic voting machines (EVMs) have been abolished. A provision for a ‘no vote’ has been introduced. If there is only one candidate in a constituency, he/she will not be declared elected unopposed; rather, the aspirant must contest against the ‘no vote’. If the ‘no vote’ outnumbers the candidate, a fresh election will be held in that constituency.”

The “no vote” was introduced in the December 2008 general election and repealed by the Sheikh Hasina-led government in early 2009.

Election Commissioner Sanaullah said, “The EC will also have the authority to suspend election results if deemed necessary, a power it did not have before. In addition, in the event of a tie, the lottery system will be abolished and a re-election will be held.”