Dhaka, Dec. 29 -- The majority of party-backed and independent candidates are expected to submit their nomination papers on Monday, the final day for filing ahead of the 13th national election.

The Election Commission (EC) said candidates will be able to submit their papers to returning and assistant returning officers between 9am and 5pm.

As of Sunday, a total of 3,144 nomination papers had been collected, while 116 had already been submitted, according to EC officials.

Senior political figures, including BNP chief Khaleda Zia, the party's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman and National Citizen Party (NCP) Convenor Nahid Islam, are among those expected to file their nominations on the final day.

Ele...