New political parties may get EC registration in Sept

The Election Commission (EC) has finalised a roadmap for the 16th national parliamentary election, under which new political parties may receive registration in September. Dialogue sessions with political parties are also scheduled to take place during the same month.

The parliamentary election action plan prepared by the EC outlines 24 specific activities along with their timelines. According to the plan, the registration process for new parties will be completed by September 30, after which dialogue sessions will begin, concluding in the first half of October.

The EC also plans to finalise amendments to the Parliamentary Constituency Delimitation Act, the Voter List Act, the Polling Station Guidelines and Management Framework, as well as regulations for domestic and foreign observers and journalists by September. Additionally, the roadmap sets timelines for amending the Conduct of Election (Amendment) Act 2025, the Election Officers (Special Provisions) Act 1991, and the Election Commission Secretariat Act 2009.

The finalisation of the voter list is tentatively scheduled for November 30. However, the roadmap does not include dates for the announcement of the schedule or the election itself.

Other activities outlined by the EC with tentative timelines include training, consultations, meetings, briefings, printing, budget allocations, IT-based preparations, campaigns, coordination cells, and inter-ministerial meetings.

Meanwhile, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin stated that the election is expected to be held in the first half of February 2026, with the official schedule to be announced two months prior.