The Election Commission (EC) has announced a strict approach to enforcing the electoral code of conduct in the upcoming Union Parishad (UP) elections.
“Our message is that we will try to enforce the code of conduct strictly. No one will be given any concession in this regard. The commission would make every effort to enforce the electoral code strictly,” Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin warned in an exclusive interview with BSS.
The CEC warned that legal action would be taken against anyone using force, intimidating voters, preventing them from reaching or driving them out of polling centres, or obstructing election officials in carrying out their duties.
Depending on the nature of the offence, violators may face up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to Tk 10,000, or both.
In cases where violence, intimidation or other irregularities affect voting results, the EC can suspend the results of the concerned polling centre or cancel the election there and order a fresh vote.
He added that if an investigation report on allegations that a candidate had violated the code of conduct was submitted to the commission and the allegations were found to be true, the candidate’s candidature could be cancelled under the relevant provisions.
The CEC said the use of posters is prohibited in the elections.
The code of conduct also specifies the types of materials that may be used in election campaigns, including voter slips, and the manner in which they can be used.
Violations of these provisions may attract a maximum of six months’ imprisonment or a fine of Tk 10,000, depending on the nature of the offence, he said.
Nasir Uddin said the commission would seek cooperation from political parties to ensure free, fair and transparent elections.
The EC will hold discussions with political parties, while the presence of election observers and journalists will be ensured to maintain transparency.
“We want to implement the code of conduct fully. We will try to ensure that voters can go to polling centres without fear, cast their votes and return home safely,” the CEC said.
He added that preparations were underway to complete the UP elections within the stipulated timeframe.
The election schedule was determined after considering various circumstances, and cooperation from all concerned would be necessary to ensure that voters could cast their ballots without obstruction.
According to the schedule announced by the EC, Union Parishad elections will be held in five phases in 2027: January 21, February 4, April 29, May 13 and May 27.
Election Commissioner Brigadier General Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah (Retd) said the terms of approximately 4,300 Union Parishads had expired. Under the law, elections to these Union Parishads must be completed by May 27, 2027.
He said the respective district election officers would announce the election schedules, generally around 42 to 45 days before polling.
Considering the legal requirements and the Union Parishads whose terms have expired, approximately 800 to 1,000 Union Parishads may go to the polls in each phase, he added.
