Candidates must contest under own party symbol even in alliances

Bangla Press Desk: The Law Ministry has issued an ordinance amending the Representation of the People Order (RPO), making it mandatory for candidates to contest under their own party’s electoral symbol even when running as part of an alliance.

The update was confirmed on Tuesday morning, according to official sources.

The amendment to Article 20 of the RPO has sparked objections from several political parties. The new rule stipulates that even if a candidate is nominated as part of a coalition, they must contest the election using their respective party’s symbol.

Previously, under the old provision, candidates from registered political alliances were allowed to contest using any of the coalition partners’ symbols. Smaller parties within alliances could use the symbol of a larger partner party, and some candidates had even won elections under those arrangements.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has raised objections to the amendment of Article 20, submitting a written appeal to the Chief Election Commissioner and urging that the earlier provision be reinstated.

BP/SP