Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin announced that both the 13th National Parliamentary Election and a national referendum will be held on February 12, 2026.
The CEC revealed the schedule in a pre-recorded televised speech that was broadcast live around 6pm on Thursday, ending weeks of anticipation over the Election Commission’s final preparatory step for the polls.
According to the Election Commission, preparations for the vote were largely complete, with only the schedule pending. With Thursday’s announcement, the commission now moves into the election-conducting phase. National elections are usually held within 60 days of the schedule’s declaration.
Announcing the dual polls, the CEC said: “On the 12th day of February in the year 2026 (Thursday), the general election for 300 seats of the 13th National Parliament, and simultaneously, a referendum will be held on the National Certificate Constitution Reform Implementation Order.”
He said the last date for submitting nomination papers is December 29 (Monday). Scrutiny will be conducted from December 30 (Tuesday) to January 4 (Sunday). Appeals against Returning Officers’ decisions may be filed until January 11 (Sunday), and the Commission will dispose of appeals from January 12 (Monday) to January 18 (Sunday). The last date for withdrawal of candidacy is January 20 (Tuesday).
The final list of candidates and allocation of symbols will be published on January 21 (Wednesday). Campaigning will begin on January 22 (Thursday) and continue until 48 hours before voting starts — that is, until 7:30am on February 10 (Tuesday).
The CEC urged “sincere participation and active cooperation” from political parties, candidates, and voters, calling on all to play a “historic role” in making the election and referendum successful and in advancing the country’s democratic progress.