The Election Commission (EC) is planning to publish the gazette in September, listing eligible parties among the 22 new political parties seeking registration. Following this, the commission intends to initiate an electoral dialogue with stakeholders, including the newly registered parties, in preparation for the 13th National Parliamentary Election, EC officials confirmed.
According to the commission’s roadmap, the gazette on new party registration is expected to be published between September 23 and 30. The dialogue is likely to begin in the last week of September and continue through October.
Officials stated that field investigations into the new political parties seeking registration have been completed. The EC is currently reviewing the investigation reports. Afterward, a notification will be published in the national newspaper regarding parties eligible for registration. Any objections related to party names or other issues will be addressed through hearings, which are expected to conclude by the second week of this month, followed by the gazette notification.
The EC plans to conduct the electoral dialogue in several phases over one to one-and-a-half months. Participants will include political parties, university teachers, civil society representatives, journalists, election observers, election experts, and injured July war veterans.
EC officials said the dialogue could start on September 30 or a day or two later. A list of participants, including media representatives and election experts, is currently being prepared. Parties will be notified 7 to 10 days in advance of their scheduled participation. The letters will include invitations, the number of representatives allowed, and a request for written opinions. Considering weekly, Puja, and other holidays, the dialogue may continue throughout October.
According to sources, the EC has already sent its recommendations, along with its own proposals, to the Ministry of Law regarding amendments to the Representation of the People Order (RPO), without consulting political parties. Concerns over law and order, administrative and police transfers, and the EC’s role and authority are typically raised by parties during these dialogues.
Currently, there are 50 registered political parties in the country. Besides these, the EC will also seek the opinions of new parties on ensuring free and fair elections under an interim government during the dialogue.
When asked, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Mashud said, “According to the roadmap, we will start the dialogue at the end of this month. The EC Secretariat will announce it. The start date may vary by a day or two, but we will proceed according to the roadmap.”
Regarding the progress of party registration, the commissioner added, “It will take another four to five days. We are verifying and reviewing the field investigation reports.”
EC officials declined to indicate which parties are likely to receive registration. They said the commission may decide on re-investigation if necessary after discussions in an EC meeting. The Chief Election Commissioner is currently on a visit to Canada and is expected to return by mid-September, after which decisions on the matter will be taken.
On this, Commissioner Mashud said, “No official decision has been taken yet. A decision will be made soon after further verification.”