A total of 331 local observer organizations have applied to the Election Commission (EC) for registration ahead of upcoming elections. By August 10, 318 organizations had submitted applications, with 13 more following afterward. The EC recently introduced new guidelines, canceling previous registrations and policies to regulate observer groups more effectively. Historically, observer registrations began in 2008, with thousands of observers monitoring national elections. The move aims to ensure transparent and well-regulated election observation under the new rules.