The Election Commission (EC) finalized plans to conduct nationwide Union Parishad (UP) polls across seven distinct phases, with the inaugural round provisionally slated for November 12.

Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd.) Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah unveiled these particulars while addressing media personnel at the Election Building located in the capital's Agargaon area on Monday.

“Elections need to be held swiftly in around 4,272 UPs out of total 4,580 UPs as there is a legal obligation to hold elections within the 180-day period before the expiry of their terms,” he stated.

He further noted that the draft voting calendar has been meticulously mapped out with careful consideration given to academic final examinations and upcoming religious festivals.

As per the outlined timetable, polling for the opening phase will take place on November 12 of the current year, followed by the second phase on December 13, and the third phase on December 30.

Preliminary dates for the subsequent four stages have been slated for January 17, February 4, April 22, and May 27, respectively, throughout the upcoming 2027 calendar year.

EC Sanaullah indicated that administrative efforts will be concentrated on concluding voting procedures across the vast majority of local councils within the first five phases.

Elaborating on the logistics of the opening phase, he explained that voting will be conducted across roughly 80 upazilas spread over 63 districts, excluding Thakurgaon due to an ongoing by-election in that region.

Priority during the initial phase will be assigned to district Sadar upazilas.

Additionally, three upazilas from districts possessing a higher concentration of sub-districts—such as Chattogram and Cumilla—alongside two upazilas from jurisdictions featuring ten or more sub-districts, are being incorporated into the first leg.

Laying the groundwork for the electoral exercise, an inter-ministerial conference has been fixed for September 17, which will be followed by a comprehensive security and law-and-order review meeting on September 21.

Furthermore, the Commission intends to engage registered political parties in formal dialogues spanning a three-day period on September 23, 24, and 25, aiming to mirror the rigorous organization seen during the national parliamentary ballot.

Each recognized political entity will be permitted to dispatch two delegates to participate in these consultations.

Addressing queries concerning potential modifications to electoral statutes, the Election Commissioner clarified that the polls will initially proceed under the framework of existing legal provisions.