EC set to introduce major reforms to local govt election rules

The Election Commission (EC) is set to introduce major reforms to local government election rules, including a ban on campaign posters, the removal of EVM provisions and the abolition of party symbols, in an effort to ensure neutral and peaceful polls ahead of the upcoming local government elections, reports BSS.
"One of the major changes is that there will be no posters in local government elections. The EC is in favour of holding local government elections without posters," Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud told the news agency in an exclusive interview.
He said the EC has already initiated amendments to the local government election regulations, with several significant changes being incorporated into the revised rules. The reforms are expected to be finalised after Eid and completed within June.

Rahmanel Masud said the existing provision for submitting nomination papers online would be abolished. Similarly, the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) would also be removed from the rules.
He added that local government elections would be conducted entirely on a non-party basis, meaning political party symbols would no longer be permitted.
The election commissioner also said the current requirement for independent candidates to submit signatures from one per cent of voters in support of their candidacy would be withdrawn.
In addition, security deposits for all levels of local government elections, except upazila polls, will be increased, although the exact amounts have not yet been determined.
The EC further stated that there would be no provision for expatriate voting or postal ballots in local government elections.