Staff Correspondent
The Election Commission (EC) will announce the schedule for the 12th national parliamentary elections in the first half of December, with voting to be held within 60 days of the announcement, Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Mohammad Sanaullah confirmed on Thursday.
The commission has finalized a stringent code of conduct for political parties and candidates, explicitly prohibiting the use of drones on polling day to maintain electoral integrity. In a bid to facilitate overseas voters, a comprehensive voter education program will roll out in September, while mandatory online registration has been introduced for postal ballot participation. The EC set October 31 as the cutoff date for voter eligibility.
Key amendments to the Representation of the People Order (RPO) were discussed during Thursday’s high-level EC meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal. While the code of conduct has been adopted incorporating suggestions from political stakeholders, the RPO revisions will be finalized in next week’s session.
“These measures reflect our commitment to a credible, inclusive and technologically secure election,” Sanaullah told reporters at the Election Building. The EC plans nationwide awareness campaigns through mass and social media to ensure maximum voter turnout.
Political analysts view these developments as crucial for restoring public confidence in the electoral process, particularly after controversies surrounding previous elections. With major parties yet to confirm their participation, all eyes remain on the EC’s upcoming announcements regarding electoral roadmaps and monitoring mechanisms.