Dhaka: A total of 2,028 candidates from 50 political parties, along with independent candidates, are set to compete in 299 constituencies during the 13th national parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12. Election Commissioner Brigadier General (retd) Abul Fazal Muhammad Sanaullah shared these details during a press briefing at Nirbachon Bhaban in Agargaon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the upcoming elections will take place in 299 constituencies nationwide, as the elections in the Sherpur-3 constituency have been postponed due to the death of a candidate. The voting process will utilize ballot papers with transparent ballot boxes from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. Voters present within the polling stations' vicinity by 4:30 pm will be allowed to cast their votes even after the official closing time.
A total of 42,958 polling centers have been designated for the elections. Of these, 42,659 will accommodate physical voting, while postal vote counting will occur at 299 centers. The Election Commission has classified approximately 50 percent of these centers as normal, with the remainder deemed 'vulnerable,' as stated by EC Sanaullah.
The country's voter base exceeds 12.77 crore, comprising over 6.48 crore male voters and more than 6.28 crore female voters. Additionally, 9,700 media personnel have registered with the Election Commission, and 156 foreign journalists are anticipated to observe the electoral process.