The Election Commission (EC) has announced that eight registered political parties will not participate in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary elections.

A total of 51 political parties have submitted nomination papers for the polls, the EC said.

EC Public Relations Director Md. Ruhul Amin Mallick informed reporters of the update on Tuesday at Election Commission Bhaban in Dhaka.

According to EC, 2,570 candidates from the participating political parties and independents submitted nomination papers for 3,307 available seats.

While 24-hour deadline for submission has passed, the commission could not confirm whether some parties submitted nominations late.

Currently, EC has 59 registered political parties on its records. The registration of Bangladesh Awami League has been suspended, while PDP, Freedom Party and United Citizens’ Movement have had their registrations canceled.

Under the election schedule, scrutiny of nomination papers will take place from December 30 to January 4, 2026.

Appeals against Returning Officer’s decisions can be filed from January 5 to 9, with the resolution of appeals scheduled from January 10 to 18.

The last date for withdrawing candidacy is January 20.

The Returning Officer will publish the final candidate list and allocate symbols on January 21.

Election campaigning will begin on January 22 and continue until February 10 at 7:30 AM, with voting scheduled for February 12.