Dhaka, Dec 09 (V7N) — The Election Commission has amended the Representation of the People Order (RPO), stipulating that postal ballots without proper markings or with multiple markings will not be counted. The amendment was published in a gazette notification on Tuesday.

According to the gazette, a postal ballot will be excluded from the count in favor of any candidate if no tick or cross mark is given against any symbol, or if more than one symbol is marked. Ballots will also be rejected if a mark is placed in a manner that makes it impossible to reasonably determine the voter’s choice.

The amended provisions further state that a postal ballot will not be counted if it is not accepted by the Returning Officer before the counting process under Section 37A.

In addition, if there is any change in the list of candidates for a particular constituency—including changes made by a court order—the postal ballots already submitted for that seat will be excluded from the count.

The gazette also clarifies that postal ballots will be rejected if the voter’s declaration form is not duly completed or does not bear the voter’s signature.

The Election Commission said the amendments were made to ensure clarity, transparency, and compliance with legal procedures in counting postal ballots.

END/SMA/AJ