EC brings back ‘no vote’, cancels use of EVM: Sanaullah

The Election Commission (EC) has brought back the 'no vote' option in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election by amending the Representation of the People Order (RPO), Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah has announced.

The RPO amendment also includes the cancellation of the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and restoration of EC’s authority to annul the results of an entire constituency if irregularities are detected.

Speaking to reporters on Monday after a commission meeting at the EC headquarters in the capital’s Agargaon, Md Sanaullah stated that journalists will be allowed to be present during the announcement of results.

Additionally, in constituencies where there is only one candidate, that candidate must contest against the 'no vote' option to secure victory.

The Election Commissioner further said 22 newly formed political parties seeking registration have cleared the EC’s preliminary screening, adding that the final decision will be made following field-level verification.