EC extends deadline for applications from local election observers

The Election Commission (EC) has extended the deadline for registered local observer organisations to apply for permission to monitor the upcoming national election and the referendum.

Earlier, the commission had asked interested and registered organisations to submit written applications by 21 December. However, the commission has now extended the deadline to 29 December, said Md Ashadul Haque, assistant director of the EC's public relations department.

The 13th national parliamentary elections and the referendum are scheduled to take place on 12 February.

The Election Commission said that under Section 7.1(a) of the Election Observation Policy 2025, observer organisations are required to apply within 10 days of the announcement of the election schedule. In line with this provision, the application period has now been extended accordingly.

The commission stated that applications must clearly specify the constituencies or areas – based on parliamentary seats – where central or local observation will be conducted. Only organisations registered with the EC are eligible to apply, and applications must be submitted in hard copy on the organisation's official letterhead, following the prescribed format and application form.

Once approval is granted, identity cards and vehicle stickers will be issued to observers. At the time of collecting these materials, approved observers must submit attested copies of HSC or equivalent certificate, National identity card, duly completed Form EO-2, Form EO-3 (Agreement).

The EC reiterated that compliance with all procedural requirements is mandatory for participation in election observation.