Fascist party Awami League excluded from elections

Bangladesh’s Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Mohammad Sanaullah has indicated that the Awami League, currently under suspension, may not be allowed to participate in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election.

When asked if the Awami League could contest the election, Commissioner Sanaullah said that any party whose activities remain suspended will also have its election symbol suspended, preventing it from participating under that symbol. However, independent candidates without a party symbol may still run, subject to further decisions.

The Awami League’s suspension came in May when the interim government banned all political activities of the party under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Regarding recent amendments to the Representation of the People Order (RPO), Sanaullah explained several key changes: law enforcement agencies now include the armed forces in election-related enforcement; district election officers will set up polling centers; those declared absconders by courts cannot participate in elections; candidates holding profitable government positions or working in organizations with 50% or more government ownership are disqualified.

Additionally, candidates providing false or concealed information in affidavits may face disqualification and lose their parliamentary seats. The security deposit for candidates has increased from 20,000 to 50,000 taka.

Sanaullah also noted that if a candidate runs unopposed, a “No” vote option will appear on the ballot. While alliances can contest elections jointly, candidates will run under their own party symbols. All Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) provisions have been canceled. Media personnel will be allowed to observe vote counting. Election posters have been banned, and social media usage must comply with a code of conduct. Suspended parties’ registrations and symbols will remain frozen.

These changes mark a significant shift in Bangladesh’s electoral process ahead of the highly anticipated national polls.