144 political parties ineligible, EC provides 15 days for correction

A total of 144 political parties that applied for registration with the Election Commission (EC) have not qualified in the initial screening process, an official said on Tuesday (July 15).

Additional Secretary of the EC, KM Ali Newaz, informed reporters that the commission will issue letters to all applicant parties, allowing 15 days to address and correct their documentation gaps and deficiencies.

“In the first phase, letters will be sent to 62 parties,” Newaz said. “In the next phase, the remaining parties will also be notified. Each will get 15 days to fulfill any shortcomings.”

Earlier, on 20 April, the EC published a public notice inviting applications from parties seeking registration. Although the initial deadline was set earlier, the commission extended it until 22 June following requests by several groups, including the Jatiya Nagorik Party.

By the close of the extended deadline, 144 parties had submitted a total of 147 applications.

The EC is responsible for verifying that parties meet the legal requirements for registration, including criteria related to organizational structure, membership, and operational activities.

Officials said further scrutiny will continue after the submission of revised documents by the parties within the given timeframe.