The National Citizen Party (NCP) and 15 other political parties have passed the initial scrutiny of their registration applications with the Election Commission (EC) and will now face field-level investigations before a final decision is made.

Speaking to Banglanews on Sunday (August 10), EC Additional Secretary KM Ali Newaz confirmed the matter.

He said, “We have shortlisted 16 parties, including the NCP, for on-site verification. Once the investigation reports are received, the next decision will be taken.”

This year, 145 parties applied for registration. In the preliminary scrutiny, none passed at first, prompting the EC to issue letters giving applicants untilAugust 3 to address information gaps. 

Subsequently, 80 parties submitted additional information, with 16 passing the second round of scrutiny.

Currently, 51 parties, including the Awami League, are registered with the EC.

MSK/