The Election Commission (EC) on Thursday said the government employees are not allowed to campaign in favour of either ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ in the upcoming referendum.
The commission has issued the directive in a letter sent to all Returning Officers across the country.
“Any person employed in the service of the Republic may inform and raise awareness among the people about the referendum. But they are strictly prohibited from calling upon people in any manner to cast votes either in favour of ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ in the referendum,” said the letter.
The letter signed by EC Deputy Secretary Mohammad Munir Hossain cited that relevant provisions, section 21, of the Referendum Ordinance, 2025 and, Article 86, of the Representation of the People Order (RPO), 1972.
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“Such activities may influence the outcome of the referendum and would be counted as a punishable offence under Section 21 of the Referendum Ordinance, 2025 and Article 86 of the RPO, 1972,” said the letter.
The EC asked the returning officers to take necessary measures in accordance with the legal provisions.
Earlier on Tuesday, Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarker said officials assigned to perform election duties will carry out publicity about the referendum but won’t campaign for or against any side.
“Our position on the referendum is that we are encouraging people to participate in it. However, those entrusted with election duty will not legally work in favour of or against any side,” he said.
The Election Commissioner said returning officers, assistant returning officers and other election officials would carry out publicity related to the referendum but would not take sides.
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“No returning officer or assistant returning officer is campaigning for any side. Those appointed as returning officers cannot do that,” he claimed.
On December 11, the Election Commission announced the schedule to hold the 13th parliament election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12 next.