Advisory Council has given policy and final approval to the draft Representation of the People Order (Amendment), 2025, restoring a “No” vote option and ending the scope for candidates to be elected unopposed.

The decision was taken at a meeting at the Chief Adviser’s Office on Thursday (October 23), chaired by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus. Briefing reporters later, Law Adviser Professor Asif Nazrul outlined the key provisions.

Professor Nazrul said the amendment reintroduces the “No” vote so that, in any constituency with a single candidate, voters can reject that candidate. 

“You surely remember the 2014 election,” he said. “In 153 or 154 seats there was only one candidate—an arranged election. We want to ensure such an election does not happen again. Where there is only one candidate, voters will be able to cast a ‘No’ vote if that candidate is not acceptable. In that case, a fresh election will be held.”

SMS/