EC Warns Against Misinformation on Postal Ballot Results

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has issued a warning against various misleading and confusing information circulating on social media regarding the results of IT-supported, app-tracked postal ballots in the upcoming national parliamentary election, stating clearly that there is no scope to know the results before the officially scheduled counting time.

In a press release issued on Thursday, February 15, the Commission reiterated its firm position on the matter. The EC said that different forms of misinformation and propaganda related to postal ballot results are being spread across social media platforms. In reality, postal ballots will be counted simultaneously with regular ballots after 4:30 pm on election day, in accordance with established election procedures.

The press release further stated that there is no legal or technical provision to access or determine postal ballot results before the specified time. Any advance claims, disclosures, or propaganda regarding such results are therefore completely baseless and false. The public has been particularly urged not to be misled by rumours or fabricated information of this nature.

The EC also noted that its cyber monitoring team is actively working to identify individuals or groups spreading false information on social media with the intent of disrupting a fair electoral environment. The Commission warned that strict legal action will be taken under existing laws against anyone found deliberately spreading rumours or misinformation.

It may be noted that the provision of postal voting exists for government employees who are unable to remain at their respective workplaces during elections, as well as for voters residing abroad. These postal votes are added during the final phase of the overall vote counting process.

DBTech/Press Release/ESM/OR