EC opens registration for new political parties, deadline until April 20
The Election Commission (EC) today invited applications for the registration of new political parties wishing to contest in the upcoming 13th National Parliament election.
Political parties must submit their registration applications by April 20, 2025.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. In a notice issued today, EC Senior Secretary Akhter Ahmed outlined the process for parties seeking to register under Article 90B of the Representation of the People Order, 1972.
The registration must meet the conditions set out in the Political Party Registration Rules, 2008.
Interested parties must apply using Form-1, as per the guidelines, and submit a series of mandatory documents. These include a party constitution, election manifesto, rules and regulations, logo and flag images, and a list of all members of the central executive committee, the statement said.
Applicants must also provide their bank account details, including the latest statement, along with a report on funding sources. A non-refundable registration fee of Tk 5,000 is also required, payable via treasury challan, it added.
To qualify for registration, a political party must fulfil at least one of the following criteria: Documentary proof of winning at least one seat with its electoral symbol in any parliamentary election since Bangladesh's independence; a certificate from the EC or an authorised officer confirming the party secured at least 5 percent of the total votes in any parliamentary election within the same period; or evidence of a functioning central office with a committee, or a district office in at least one-third of administrative districts, or a minimum of 200 registered voter members in each police station (thana).
Once approved, the EC will issue a registration certificate in Form-3 and publish the party's name in the government gazette.
Currently, 49 political parties are registered with the EC. As the commission begins preparations for the general election, it has set December this year as the target date for the polls.
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