The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The first day found it nil as no political party did turn up yesterday to the Election Commission to apply for registration following the EC announcement that this is mandatory for contesting the general election.

The documents must have to be attached with application for registration include the name of party and address of central office, constitution of the party, election manifesto and rules of party, party logo and picture of party flag, central executive committee or equivalent all members and their designations, bank-account number and current balance reserved for the party, description of party funding source and a treasury challan with a certain amount as registration fee.

Asked about the registration of the political parties, EC secretary M Humayun Kabir said the commission formally asked the political parties Tuesday and they (parties) might start applying from next week.

"It is too early to answer. Let's see what turns out-the rules are just promulgated," he said in reply to a question.

Party registration is one of the provisions made through politico-electoral reforms after the January 11, 2007 changeover following a grave political crisis over election issues.