Published: 12:35 AM, 23 May 2026
Major changes coming to local govt election rules: EC
The Election Commission (EC) is set to introduce major reforms to local government election rules, including a ban on campaign posters, removal of EVM provisions and abolition of party symbols, as part of efforts to ensure neutral and peaceful polls ahead of the upcoming local government elections.
"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 BSS in an exclusive interview.
He said the EC has already taken the initiative to amend the local government election regulations and several significant changes are being incorporated into the revised rules, which 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. Likewise, the provision for using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will also be removed from the rules.
He said local government elections would be conducted entirely on a non-party basis, meaning political party symbols would no longer be allowed.
The EC commissioner also said the current requirement for independent candidates to submit signatures of one percent of voters in support of their candidacy would be withdrawn.
Besides, election security deposits will be increased for all levels of local government elections except Upazila elections, although the exact amount has not yet been determined, he added.
The EC further said there would be no provision for expatriate voting or postal ballots in local government elections.
According to the revised rules, fugitive accused persons will not be eligible to contest elections. In particular, anyone charge-sheeted in a case under the ICT Act will not be allowed to participate in local government polls, he said.
The senior election commissioner said the EC is working to bring necessary changes to ensure local government elections are neutral, fair and peaceful.
He expressed hope that the revised rules would be finalised after Eid, adding that the entire process of formulating the rules would be completed by June.
"We have already held one meeting on the issue. If another meeting can be held before Eid, we will be able to prepare the draft rules and place them before the commission," he told BSS.
Regarding the schedule for local government elections, Rahmanel Masud said the polls could begin toward the end of this year, with the commission expecting to start the elections from October.
He said four key issues must be prioritised to ensure credible elections.
The first is the government's attitude. "What the government wants and its overall view are the most important matters. The government must remain neutral," he said.
Secondly, he stressed the role of political parties, saying they must decide whether they want confrontation or responsible conduct in the greater interest of the country. "There will be competition in elections, but there should be no conflict," he added.
Thirdly, he highlighted the uncompromising stance of the Election Commission, saying the EC remains committed to neutrality. "The EC has no force of its own, but it must still roar from a position of principle and firmness to ensure the entire process remains fair," he said.
Fourthly, he emphasised the conduct of officials involved in the electoral process. "Millions of people are engaged in election duties. If a presiding officer sincerely says, 'I will not allow fake voting or irregularities,' then it depends on his honesty, personality and leadership qualities," he said, adding that integrity and leadership are both essential.
Replying to a question on plans for violence-free local government elections, Rahmanel Masud said the EC would require full cooperation from the government and sincere support from political parties.
He said maintaining neutrality is in the government's own interest. "Violence is basically a law-and-order issue. Anyone involved in clashes will face punishment under the penal code. But strict enforcement of the law alone cannot solve the problem. Political parties must also demonstrate a clear commitment," he said.
He said that although local government elections are officially non-party, candidates often receive political backing in reality, which can create tensions between rival groups.
In this context, he said political parties would be requested not to heat up the electoral atmosphere through clashes, vandalism, pushing and scuffling, stick-fighting or attempts to create unrest. "If players keep committing fouls all day, how many fouls can the referee catch?" he remarked.
Rahmanel Masud also credited the country's two major political alliances for largely complying with the election code of conduct during the 13th parliamentary election process.
"On polling day, there were comparatively fewer major incidents such as occupation of polling centres, snatching of ballot papers or large-scale violence. They deserve credit for that," he said.
He added that adequate police would be deployed to maintain a fair voting environment, while returning officers, presiding officers and polling staff would be able to perform their duties independently.
However, he warned that no one would be spared if any irregularity or malpractice is detected.
He said the law and regulations already provide authority to suspend voting at centres if necessary, and strict measures would be taken depending on the situation. "We hope the upcoming local government elections will be peaceful and fair," he added.
