DHAKA, July 03 (V7N)– The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has officially released its "Polling Station Setup and Management Guidelines-2025 for Local Government Institution Elections," aiming to ensure efficient and impartial administration of polls across various local government bodies. This circular, signed by EC Deputy Secretary Dewan Md. Sarwar Jahan, follows the gazette publication of the guidelines on June 26, 2025.

The EC underscored the "highly significant and sensitive" nature of elections for City Corporations, Zila Parishads, Upazila Parishads, Pourasavas, and Union Parishads. The guidelines emphasize that selecting optimal locations for polling stations is paramount to guaranteeing free, fair, and impartial elections. It states that fair elections depend heavily on determining locations that are free from the influence of individuals, groups, or parties, while also providing overall facilities for voters to cast their ballots freely. The presence of voter-friendly infrastructure and accessibility are also highlighted as major factors in station placement.

The new guidelines delineate specific procedures for each type of local government election:

City Corporation: The Senior District Election Officer or District Election Officer will send a list of proposed polling stations to the EC through the Regional Election Officer, clarifying the specific areas whose voters will cast their votes at each station. The EC will finalize and publish this list in the Official Gazette at least 15 days before polling.

Zila Parishad: Similar to City Corporations, the Senior District Election Officer or District Election Officer will send ward-wise lists of proposed polling stations to the EC, with clear mention of the specific voter areas. The EC will finalize the list at least 15 days prior to the election date.

Upazila Parishad: For Chairman and Vice Chairman elections, the Senior District Election Officer or District Election Officer will send proposed polling station lists to the EC via the Regional Election Officer, ensuring clear demarcation of voter areas. The EC will finalize and gazette the list at least 15 days before the election.

Paurashava: The Senior District Election Officer or District Election Officer will send proposed polling station lists to the EC through the Regional Election Officer, with specific voter areas identified. The EC will finalize and publish the list in the official gazette at least 25 days before polling.

Union Parishad: The Senior District Election Officer or District Election Officer will prepare a list of proposed polling stations, clearly mentioning the voter areas. This finalized list will be published locally by posting it at various official and public places at least 25 days prior to the election. A copy of the finalized list will also be sent to the Election Commission for approval through the concerned Regional Election Officer.

The guidelines also specify logistical considerations for polling stations and booths. On average, one polling station should be set up for every 2,000 voters. Generally, one polling booth is assigned for every 400 male voters and for every 300 to 350 female voters. For by-elections where only one post is contested, the ratio is adjusted to one booth for every 500 male voters and every 400 female voters. Furthermore, at least one polling station must be established within the boundaries of each general ward, with the possibility of more based on practical necessity.

These detailed guidelines aim to standardize the process of polling station establishment, reducing potential for influence and ensuring a more systematic approach to local government elections across Bangladesh. The EC's move to centralize authority with its own officials, as previously indicated for national elections, reinforces its commitment to independent electoral administration.

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