73 organisations registered as election observers

Election Commission says 318 applications filed to register as observers

The Election Commission (EC) has published a notice registering 73 organisations as election observers before the parliamentary polls.

Md Ashadul Haque, public relations assistant director at EC Secretariat, confirmed the development on Saturday.

He said a total of 318 applications were received for observer registration.

“Anyone with objections to these organisations may submit petitions to the EC secretary by the 20th of October. After reviewing all claims and objections, the commission will finalise the registrations,” Ashadul said.

EARLIER REGISTRATIONS

• Registration of observer organisations was introduced for the first time before the 9th national election, initially for one year, later extended to five years under a new policy.

• In 2008, the then ATM Shamsul Huda-led commission registered 138 organisations with a one-year validity period.

• A total of 75 domestic organisations monitored the 9th parliamentary polls.

• In 2011, the commission registered 120 groups. Their five-year term expired in January 2016, but the commission led by Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad extended it by another year.

• Only 35 organisations monitored the 10th national election.

• Ahead of the 2018 election, 199 organisations applied, and KM Nurul Huda’s commission registered 119. Their five-year term expired this July.

• A total of 81 domestic organisations observed the 11th parliamentary polls.

• Ahead of the upcoming 12th national election, the commission headed by Kazi Habibul Awal initially shortlisted 68 out of 210 applicants.

• Kazi Habibul Awal-led commission initially shortlisted 68 applicants from 210 for observer registration before the 12th national election.