The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh is facing significant shortfalls in its preparations to organize the upcoming local government elections. Key election management and conduct regulations remain unfinalized, and there is a notable shortage of essential election materials. The EC has yet to decide on procurement due to the government’s pending decision on the election schedule and starting level. According to EC sources, 8.34 million items are required, but only 5.9 million are currently in stock, leaving a deficit of about 2.45 million.

The government has indicated plans to begin local government elections gradually from September or October, starting with union council polls subject to budget approval. However, due to preparation gaps, only limited-scale elections, such as for union councils or municipalities, may be held this year. The EC also faces delays in finalizing the revised codes of conduct and election management rules, which are still open for stakeholder feedback until June 30.

The shortage of materials such as ballot box locks, marking seals, and indelible ink pens, along with pending regulatory approval, poses a major challenge for the EC to meet the proposed election timeline.