EC raises Union Parishad election deposits and sets campaign spending limits

The Election Commission (EC) has increased the security deposit for Union Parishad election candidates.

Chairman candidates must now deposit Tk 25,000, up from Tk 5,000, while member candidates must deposit Tk 5,000, up from Tk 1,000.

Under the amended rules, the maximum campaign expenditure has been set at Tk 10 lakh for chairman candidates and Tk two lakh for member candidates. Candidates who fail to secure at least 15 percent of the votes cast will forfeit their deposits.

The EC published the gazette amending the Union Parishad Election Rules, 2026, on September 17. The gazette was signed by EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed.

According to the new provision, deposits must be submitted to the returning officer through treasury challan, pay order, or bank draft. The amount will be refunded if a candidate secures at least 15 percent of the votes; otherwise, it will be forfeited to the state exchequer.

Chairman candidates must open separate accounts with scheduled banks to manage campaign funds, with all expenses routed through the accounts. Payments of Tk 20,000 or more must be made by cheque, according to the rules.

The EC's authority has also been expanded to cancel a candidate's candidature for violations of the code of conduct. If records or written reports indicate a breach by a candidate or agent, the commission may order an immediate investigation.

If allegations are proven, the EC may cancel the candidature through a written order, notify the candidate, agent and returning officer, and publish the decision in the gazette.

The EC may also suspend or annul the results of polling centres where intimidation, manipulation or malpractice severely compromise the fairness of the election. It may order re-polling if necessary.

In the event of a tie, re-polling will replace the previous lottery system. Under the amended rules, the commission will instruct the returning officer to conduct fresh voting among the tied candidates.

Threatening, intimidating or assaulting election officials, accredited media representatives or observers, or damaging their equipment will be treated as offences under the new rules.

Preventing voters from entering polling centres or obstructing candidates from filing or withdrawing nominations will also be punishable. Such offences carry a maximum penalty of two years' imprisonment, a fine of up to Tk 10,000, or both.

Following the announcement of the election schedule, the EC may form monitoring committees to oversee electoral offences and violations of the code of conduct.

The rules also clarify that the absence of candidates, agents or polling agents during lawful proceedings will not invalidate those actions. However, officials must attempt to ensure their presence and report any absence to the commission.