Dhaka: The Election Commission (EC) has issued a public notice inviting applications for registration of new political parties ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliament elections. The notice is part of the EC’s preparations to ensure a fair and inclusive electoral process.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the EC has set a deadline of April 20 for submission of applications by new political parties wishing to participate in the elections. These applications must adhere to the guidelines outlined in the previous laws governing party registration.
The EC’s notification specifies that political parties under section 90A of the Representation of the People Order, 1972, which meet the criteria outlined in the Political Party Registration Rules, 2008, are eligible to apply. Interested parties must complete Form-1, as annexed to the rules, by the stipulated deadline.
To secure registration, a political party must fulfill one of three conditions. Firstly, a party must provide authentic documentation proving it has won at least one seat with its election symbol in any parliamentary election since Bangladesh’s independence up to the date of application submission. Alternatively, the party may present a certificate from the commission or an authorized officer demonstrating it secured at least five percent of the total votes cast in a constituency in any parliamentary election since independence. Lastly, a party must maintain a central office and committee, with representation in at least one-third of administrative districts and a presence in a minimum of 100 upazilas or metropolitan cities, each with at least 200 party members who are registered voters in their respective constituencies.
The notification further emphasizes that applications must be submitted on the party’s official letterhead and accompanied by all necessary documentation, ensuring transparency and adherence to the established criteria.