The Election Commission (EC) has confirmed it will implement the High Court’s directive to accept the nomination of Nusrat Tabassum, a leader of the Nationalist Conservative Party (NCP), for the reserved women’s seats in the 13th National Parliament. In a move that signals a desire to avoid further litigation, the Commission has stated it will not pursue an appeal against the ruling.
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High Court Directive and Commission Stance
The legal deadlock was broken on Monday, 27 April 2026, when a High Court bench consisting of Mr Justice Ahmed Sohel and Mrs Justice Fatema Anwar ordered the EC to process Tabassum’s candidacy.
Speaking to a private television station later that evening, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud clarified that while the Commission is currently awaiting the formal written judgment, the decision to comply is final.
“We have decided not to pursue an appeal. Once we receive the full text of the court’s directive, we will take the necessary administrative steps to reinstate the nomination,” Commissioner Masud confirmed.
Timeline of the Late Submission
The dispute originated from a strictly enforced administrative deadline. The EC had set the cut-off for nomination submissions at 4:00 pm on 21 April 2026. Nusrat Tabassum submitted her paperwork at 4:19 pm—a delay of 19 minutes.
Based on this late filing, the EC officially cancelled her nomination during the scrutiny phase on 22 April. Tabassum subsequently filed a writ petition, arguing that a minor technical delay should not supersede her constitutional right to participate in the democratic process. The High Court’s decision to override the EC’s cancellation suggests a judicial preference for electoral inclusivity over rigid procedural adherence.
Significance for the 13th National Parliament
The election for the reserved women’s seats is scheduled for 12 May 2026. These seats are critical for political parties as they are allocated proportionally based on their performance in the general election.
For the NCP, Tabassum’s reinstatement is a tactical victory, ensuring the party maintains its planned representation. The EC’s decision to forgo an appeal is expected to:
Streamline the Timeline: Avoid delays in the finalisation of the candidate list.
Stabilise the Process: Ensure that the allocation of symbols and the withdrawal period proceed as scheduled.
Impact on Electoral Administration
By choosing not to contest the High Court’s ruling in the Appellate Division, the Election Commission has effectively prevented a protracted legal battle that could have jeopardised the 12 May polling date.
The Returning Officer is expected to formally validate Tabassum’s nomination immediately upon receipt of the judicial documentation. This will allow the NCP candidate to join the official roster, ensuring the party’s presence in the reserved seat contest remains secure ahead of the mid-May elections.