Rebel candidates who failed to get nominations from their respective political parties would not be able to participate in the next general elections, as per the proposed amendment to the people’s representation act, EC sources said.
The Election Commission on Sunday finalised the draft amendment to the Representation of People Order (RPO), Election Commissioner Mohammad Abu Hafiz said. The draft was expected to be sent this week to the law ministry for final decision on the RPO amendment.
The draft also excludes the armed forces from the definition of law enforcing agencies, Hafiz said. The last two general elections were held with army deployment as per the previous RPO.
According to the draft RPO section-44(E), the EC would control all ministries during the election period as government. After announcement of the election schedule, all ministries would have to consult with the EC for reshuffling, promoting or appointing officials. Without discussion with the EC, the government will not be able to take any decision during the poll period.
Hafiz said those who do not get nomination from their parties, cannot take part in the next parliamentary elections, which are due early next year. Independent candidates, however, must garner one percent voters’ signatures to contest in the elections.
Besides, the draft retains the provision that if only one candidate remains after scrutinising of nomination papers, then that person will be declared the winner. And if any candidate gives wrong information in the affidavit copy with the nomination, the EC would cancel the candidacy, even if the person gets elected.
Moreover, presiding officers would also have the authority to postpone polling at centres in the general elections.
Officials said the EC has completed the work of amending the RPO ahead of the next general elections in a bid to hold credible polls.
