Dhaka, Aug 12 (V7N) — The Election Commission (EC) has announced significant changes to the electoral process ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliament elections, including the complete removal of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and the reinstatement of the ‘no’ vote option.

Under the new provisions, if a constituency has only one candidate, they will not be able to win unopposed. Instead, they must compete against ‘no’ votes, and if the ‘no’ votes outnumber their total, a re-election will be held in that seat.

The EC has also regained its authority to suspend or cancel election results in cases of irregularities—whether in one or two polling centers or across an entire constituency. Disciplinary measures for violations of the electoral code of conduct have been strengthened.

In a move to increase transparency, journalists will be permitted to remain present during the vote-counting process, though they will not be allowed to leave midway.

The decisions were finalized during an adjourned EC meeting on Monday evening at the Election Building in Agargaon, Dhaka, and later announced by Election Commissioner Brigadier General (retd.) Abul Fazal Mohammad Sanaullah.

Sanaullah also stated that if a political party is banned, the EC now has the authority to cancel its registration. Furthermore, if a candidate is found to have provided false information in their affidavit, the EC can take legal action even after that candidate has been elected.

END/RH/AJ