The Election Commission (EC) is preparing to announce the schedule for the 13th National Parliamentary Election either on Wednesday evening or the following Thursday, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters at the EC headquarters, Mahsud said the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin’s speech announcing the election and referendum schedule has been finalised.
“Once the commission meets the President tomorrow, the schedule will be announced on Wednesday evening or Thursday,” he added.
He said the CEC’s address will place particular emphasis on cooperation from political parties and all stakeholders to ensure a fair and peaceful election. The commission is scheduled to meet the President on Wednesday afternoon as part of the pre-announcement protocol.
Earlier, the commission held a meeting with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to discuss overall election preparations.
The EC has also issued a gazette amending the Representation of the People Order (RPO) stipulating that postal ballots without a mark, or those marked for more than one symbol, will be considered invalid.
Election Commissioner Abdur Rahman Masud added that symbols of banned or suspended political parties will not appear on postal ballots.
The election commissioner further said that the CEC met the Chief Justice on Tuesday to review judicial responsibilities and other preparatory matters related to election administration.
