EC may revoke registrations of 96 AL-era local observer organisations

The Election Commission (EC) is considering cancelling the registration of 96 local election observer organisations that were registered during the tenure of Awami League government before the 2024 national elections, sources said.

To assess the matter, earlier the commission formed a six-member committee, which had recommended the cancellation of all previously registered observer organisations.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, an EC official told The Business Standard that the commission may decide to revoke these registrations based on the committee's recommendations. 

"However, no final decision has been made yet," said the official.

He added, "If the registration is revoked, all election observer organisations approved during the AL government's tenure will lose their status before completing their five-year term."

EC has authority to revoke all registrations 

While amendments to the observer guidelines will result in cancellation of registrations of some election observer organisations, the commission holds the authority to revoke all previous registrations if it deems necessary, Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarkar has said.

Speaking to journalists at Nirbachan Bhaban today (20 March), Anwarul said, "We have drafted a preliminary framework for election observers. Some observers' registration will inevitably be cancelled, but if the commission decides, all of them may be revoked."

Regarding political party registrations, he said, "The public notice for registration remains as it is. A writ petition has been filed in the High Court, but we have not yet received a ruling. Once we receive it, we can assess the situation and proceed accordingly.

"If the registered parties fulfil the required conditions, the commission will grant registration. If they do not apply, it will not be necessary. We expect to receive a copy of the court's decision next week, after which we can provide further details."