Dhaka, Dec. 8 -- The Election Commission (EC) has registered 81 local observer organisations for a five-year term ahead of the parliamentary polls and referendum.

EC Assistant Director Md Ashadul Haque of the public relations branch confirmed the development on Monday.

More than 300 organisations had applied this year. The EC has already held discussions with the registered groups to coordinate their activities.

EC officials said 66 observer organisations were registered on Nov 6, followed by 15 more in the second phase on Dec 4. These groups will be eligible to monitor national and local elections until 2030.

The next parliamentary polls and referendum will be held on the same day in early February, with monitoring opportunities exte...