Dhaka, Dec 20, (V7N) — The Election Commission (EC) has issued a revised schedule for the upcoming 13th parliamentary elections, adjusting the timelines for filing and resolving appeals against the decisions of returning officers. According to a notification issued on Saturday (December 20), the time allotted for candidates to appeal against the cancellation of nomination papers has been reduced by two days, while the period for the Commission to dispose of those appeals has been extended by two days.

Under the updated schedule, the window to file appeals against the decisions of Returning Officers has been shortened to January 5–9, moving up from the previously announced deadline of January 11. Conversely, the Election Commission has extended the timeframe to resolve these appeals, which will now take place from January 10 to January 18, rather than beginning on January 12. These adjustments are intended to provide the Commission more time to meticulously review legal challenges and ensure a fair verification process.

The broader election roadmap remains largely unchanged following the initial announcement on December 11. Candidates must submit their nomination papers by the December 29 deadline. The scrutiny of these documents will take place from December 30 to January 4. Following the revised appeal window and its resolution, the final date for the withdrawal of candidacy is set for January 20, with election symbols being allotted on January 21.

Official election campaigning is scheduled to begin on January 22 and will continue until 7:30 am on February 10. The 13th national parliamentary election, which will be held concurrently with a national referendum, is slated for February 12. The Election Commission reiterated that all preparations are being finalized to ensure a transparent and orderly voting process across the country.

END/SMA/AJ