The deadline for candidates to collect and submit nomination papers for the upcoming parliamentary elections will expire at 5pm on Monday.
Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud stated on Sunday that no decision has been made to extend the nomination submission period.
“If all political parties come forward and request an extension, the issue may be considered. Otherwise, the original schedule will remain in force,” he told the media.
Under the electoral code of conduct, no more than five people, including the candidate, proposer and supporter are allowed to be present at the time of submitting nomination papers. The Election Commission (EC) has warned that any procession, gathering or show of strength during nomination filing will be considered a violation of electoral rules and may invite punitive action.
According to the election roadmap announced by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, December 29 is the final day for filing nomination papers. Scrutiny of nominations, appeals and their disposal will be completed before January 20, which has been fixed as the last date for withdrawal of candidacy.
Election symbols will be allocated on January 21, while candidates will be allowed to begin election campaigning from the following day. As per the schedule, campaigning can continue until 7:30am on February 10.
Nomination submission process
Nomination papers must be submitted to the returning officer or assistant returning officer along with all required documents and the candidate’s signature.
Under Article 12(3) of the Representation of the People Order, nomination papers may be submitted by the candidate, proposer or supporter, and must be formally received by the returning or assistant returning officer.
Party-backed candidates are required to submit a nomination certificate signed by the party president, general secretary or an equivalent office bearer. Independent candidates, if not previously elected as members of parliament, must submit a list of signatures from at least 1% of the total voters of the concerned constituency, using the prescribed format.
Candidates must also attach proof of submission of a Tk50,000 security deposit through bank draft, pay order or treasury challan. They are required to submit statements of probable election expenses, assets and liabilities, and annual income and expenditure, along with an affidavit on a Tk300 non-judicial stamp.
In addition, three sets of nomination papers, one original and two photocopies, must be submitted, along with attested copies of the latest income tax return, proof of tax payment, and statement of assets. Candidates must also provide attested copies of their highest educational qualification certificates, national identity cards, and relevant voter list pages, as well as three attested, recently taken passport-size colour photographs.
The EC has reiterated that all election-related expenses must be conducted through a designated bank account opened in the name of the candidate or their election agent.