Bangladesh Election Results 2026: BNP claims majority, Tarique Rahman set to be PM

PM Narendra Modi has congratulated BNP's Tarique Rahman for the landslide victory. "I convey my warm congratulations to Mr. Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership. India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals," PM Modi posted on X.  

As per the latest trends, BNP has won 170 seats, Jamaat and allies bagged 52 seats. Islami Andolon Bangladesh has won one seat, others- 6 seats. BNP chairman Tarique Rahman, son of the late ex-PM Khaleda Zia is set to be the next prime minister in Bangladesh as BNP is sailing to victory in Bangladesh.  

As per the latest trends, BNP has won 166 seats, Jamaat and allies bagged 52 seats. Islami Andolon Bangladesh has won one seat, others- 6 seats. BNP chairman Tarique Rahman, son of the late ex-PM Khaleda Zia is set to be the next prime minister in Bangladesh as BNP is sailing to victory in Bangladesh.   

BNP chairman Tarique Rahman, son of the late ex-PM Khaleda Zia is set to be the next prime minister in Bangladesh as BNP is sailing to victory in Bangladesh. As per the latest trends, BNP has won 207 seats while 11-party coalition, Jamaat-e-Islami, registered victory on 46 seats. The National Citizen Party amassed 6 seats while 5 seats went to independent candidates and others.      

BNP is heading for a big win, gets two-third majority. BNP has won 207 seats while 11-party coalition, Jamaat-e-Islami, registered victory on 46 seats. The National Citizen Party amassed 6 seats while 5 seats went to independent candidates and others.  

As per the latest trends, BNP has won 207 seats while 11-party coalition, Jamaat-e-Islami, registered victory on 46 seats. The National Citizen Party amassed 6 seats while 5 seats went to independent candidates and others.    

Unofficial results from Bangladesh’s referendum indicate strong public backing for the July Charter, a reform document that emerged from the 2024 uprising and proposes sweeping constitutional changes.

According to The Daily Star, around 72.9% of the votes counted were in favour of adopting the charter, while 27.1% were against it. However, the Bangladesh Election Commission has not yet announced the official results.

As per the latest trends, BNP has won 207 seats while 11-party coalition, Jamaat-e-Islami, registered victory on 46 seats. The National Citizen Party amassed 6 seats while 5 seats went to independent candidates and others.     The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is on course to form the next government after early results indicated a strong performance in the Bangladesh’s general election. Counting is still under way, but projections showed the party crossing the halfway mark in the 300-member parliament.

As per the latest trends, BNP has won 207 seats while 11-party coalition, Jamaat-e-Islami, registered victory on 46 seats. The National Citizen Party amassed 6 seats while 5 seats went to independent candidates and others.  

Election officials and media reports said early results gave an edge to the BNP with its nominees leading in over 175 seats while Jamaat candidates leading in 30 seats. The polling with a referendum on constitutional reforms running in parallel closed at 4:30 pm with an initial estimate suggesting the turnout to be 48 per cent at 2:00 pm.

As per trends and media reports, BNP and its allies are leading in 19 of total 23 seats in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) appears to have the edge over its once ally Jamaat-e-Islami in the crucial general elections to elect a new government to replace the interim administration, which took charge after the collapse of the Awami League regime in August 2024.

The latest trends show the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leading in 76 seats, Jamaat and its allies ahead in 21 constituencies, while the National Citizens Party is leading in two seats.

The counting of votes for all eight constituencies has been completed.

Latest results show the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has won seven seats, while Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies have secured one seat.

Independent candidate Rumeen Farhana is leading in the Brahmanbaria-2 constituency, which covers Sarail, Ashuganj, and part of Bijoynagar. As of 8:24pm, Farhana has received 9,648 votes from 12 polling centres, while her closest rival, BNP-alliance candidate Maulana Junaid Al Habib, vice-chairman of the central committee of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, has secured 6,745 votes. The constituency has a total of 151 polling centres.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has so far won five seats as vote counting continues.

Latest results from 46 declared seats in Bangladesh's parliamentary elections show the BNP alliance securing victory in 32 constituencies. The Jamaat-e-Islami alliance follows with 14 seats won, while independent candidates, Jatiya Party, Islamic Movement and other parties hold zero seats each. Counting continues across 299 constituencies, reinforcing BNP's frontrunner momentum after Tarique Rahman's personal win and leads in 60 seats per trends.

Addressing a press briefing at the BNP's Gulshan election office in Dhaka, BNP Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin claimed that his party's victory was "inevitable and clear", while alleging that lower voter turnout was the result of "misleading activities" and intimidation by a rival political party."There is a clear and huge difference between BNP and the rival political party. Attempts were made to threaten voters and discourage them from going to polling centres," Amin said, as quoted by the Daily Star, adding that turnout could have been higher in the absence of such incidents.

BNP Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin declared his party's win in Bangladesh's February 12, parliamentary elections as "inevitable and clear." Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed reported approximately 48% turnout nationwide by 2 p.m., per state-run BSS, from data across 36,031 polling centers. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus promptly thanked citizens for engaging in both the general elections and referendum after polls closed at 4:30 p.m., praising the peaceful process amid BNP's leads in 60 seats.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has won his constituency in Bangladesh's February 12, parliamentary elections. Early trends show BNP dominating with leads in 60 seats against Jamaat-e-Islami's 18, aligning with pre-poll EASD surveys predicting BNP's landslide.

Awami League leader AFM Bahauddin Nasim, speaking from Kolkata, West Bengal, denounced Bangladesh's February 12, 2026, elections as "one-sided" under an "illegal and unconstitutional" Yunus government and Election Commission.

Latest vote counting trends from Bangladesh's February 12, parliamentary elections indicate BNP holding a commanding lead in 60 seats. Jamaat-e-Islami trails with leads in 18 constituencies, while National Citizens Party secures 1. Tallying progresses across 299 seats post-4:30 pm. closure, reinforcing BNP spokesperson Mahdi Amin's prediction of an "inevitable" victory after 47.91% turnout by 2 pm.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman faced a narrow defeat at his own Mirpur polling center in Dhaka during Bangladesh's February 12, elections. Under the "scale" symbol, he garnered 560 votes against BNP-backed Shafiqul Islam Khan's 565, a mere 5-vote margin from 1,174 total casts (27 cancelled). This local setback contrasts with Jamaat's leads in 12 seats per latest trends, as BNP holds 24 amid ongoing nationwide counting.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman affirmed his party will accept the 13th National Parliamentary Election outcomes unconditionally, even if rivals reject them. Speaking to reporters at his Dhaka-15 election office around 7 p.m. on February 12, 2026, he stated: "If voting continues without major interference, we will accept it, In sha Allah, regardless of others."

Cautious outlook on prospects

In his second press briefing, Shafiqur noted preliminary nationwide trends arriving but cautioned against premature claims, expecting clarity by 11 p.m. He acknowledged initial indications of Jamaat leads in some seats but stressed confirmation awaits full counting post-4:30 p.m. closure. This follows BNP's edge in 24 seats per latest trends versus Jamaat's 12.

Police arrested a Jamaat leader for buying votes in Dhaka while crude bombs were exploded near seven polling centres in southwestern Gopalganj hours before voting.

The voting for the 13th parliamentary elections was held along with a referendum on the implementation of a complex 84-point reform package, known as the July National Charter.

• Tarique Rahman (BNP): The leading contender who returned from 17 years of exile in December. He has pledged a “new path” focused on restoring the rule of law and revitalising the garments sector.
• Shafiqur Rahman (Jamaat-e-Islami): Leading a powerful conservative alliance. His party’s rise has prompted both optimism for change and concern regarding social freedoms.

The Gen Z factor: Voters aged 18–37 make up roughly 44% of the electorate, a demographic that was instrumental in the 2024 uprising.

Bangladesh election numbers: The voting began at 7:30 AM in Bangladesh in 299 parliamentary constituencies and is scheduled to continue until 4:30 PM. The Bangladesh election commission has cancelled the voting in one of the constituencies after the death of the candidate. A total of 50 political parties are contesting the polls with 1,755 candidates and 273 independents are also contesting the election.

The Awami League on Thursday strongly condemned the 13th National Parliamentary Election in Bangladesh, calling it a "well-planned farce" orchestrated by Chief Adviser of the interim government, Muhammad Yunus, and demanded the reinstatement of the party along with the release of political prisoners.The Bangladesh Awami League has been barred from participating in the national polls after the interim government banned any political activity and suspended its registration as a political party.

As voting for the 13th Parliamentary Election and Constitutional Referendum concluded across 299 constituencies in Bangladesh on Thursday, Chief Adviser of the country's interim government Muhammad Yunus congratulated the nation for the peaceful and orderly conclusion of polls and referendum, calling it "the beginning of an unprecedented journey toward a new Bangladesh."In a statement released after voting ended, Yunus lauded voters for their enthusiastic participation, political parties for their responsible conduct, candidates for showing restraint, and all institutions involved for their professionalism.He said the collective effort demonstrated Bangladesh's strong commitment to democracy and the people's active role in shaping the country's future."

Latest initial vote counting trends from Bangladesh's February 12, 2026, parliamentary elections show BNP leading in 24 seats. Jamaat-e-Islami follows with leads in 12 seats, while National Citizens Party remains at 0. Counting continues across 299 constituencies post-4:30 p.m. closure, aligning with BNP spokesperson Mahdi Amin's claim of an "inevitable" victory.

Yunus commended political parties for responsible conduct, candidates for restraint, and institutions for professionalism, highlighting Bangladesh's democratic commitment. He extended special thanks to the Election Commission, law enforcement, armed forces, administration, observers, media and officials for ensuring the massive exercise's success after 47.91% turnout by 2 pm.

Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh's interim Chief Adviser, declared the conclusion of voting in the 13th Parliamentary Election and Constitutional Referendum as "the beginning of an unprecedented journey toward a new Bangladesh." He congratulated the nation for the peaceful polls across 299 constituencies on February 12, praising voters' enthusiasm and orderly participation.

Chief Adviser of the interim government Professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday said the people played an active role in determining the country's future by exercising their constitutional rights in the 13th National Parliament election and the referendum on the implementation of the July National Charter.

"The spontaneous participation of voters, the responsible conduct of political parties, the restraint of candidates and the professionalism of all institutions related to the election—this combined effort has proven that our commitment to democracy remains firm," he said. "By exercising their constitutional rights, the people have played an active role in determining the future of the country."

According to Dhaka Tribune, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is leading on 22 seats, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on 10 seats, and National Citizen Party (NCP) has not open its account. 

BNP Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin asserted the party's victory is "inevitable and clear" in Bangladesh's ongoing 2026 parliamentary elections, citing a substantial lead over rivals. Amin attributed reduced voter turnout to "misleading activities" by a political opponent, urging BNP leaders and activists to remain at 42,651 polling centers until final results. Speaking from Dhaka's Gulshan office, he directed nationwide polling agents to closely monitor vote counting, framing code-of-conduct violations as resistance to BNP's dominance. This follows initial trends showing BNP ahead in 13 seats versus Jamaat's 2.

Initial vote counting trends from Bangladesh's February 12, 2026, elections show BNP leading in 13 parliamentary seats. Jamaat-e-Islami trails with leads in 2 seats, while National Citizens Party holds zero so far. These preliminary figures emerge as tallying continues post-4:30 p.m. closure across 299 constituencies.

As per initial trends- 

• BNP is leading in 13 seats 
• Jamaat is leading in 2 seats 
• National Citizens Party is still at 0 

Neck-and-Neck fight underway between BNP and Jamaat in the initial trends, Tarique Rahman leads from his seat as vote counting underway in Bangladesh. 

As people of Bangladesh voted in the country’s 13th parliamentary election, India on Thursday stressed that it would wait for the results before making any assessment of the political landscape. Addressing a weekly media briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “The elections are going on in Bangladesh. We should wait for the outcome of the elections to see what sort of mandate has come out, and thereafter, we will look at issues that are there. On the election per se, you know what our position has been. We stand for free, fair, inclusive and credible elections in Bangladesh.” Jaiswal stated that India chose not to depute any election observers to Bangladesh, despite receiving an invitation.

The Jatiya Party also registered victories in Bangladesh in two polls in 1986 and 1988. The Jatiya Party, led by military ruler Hussain Muhammad Ershad, claimed victory, winning 153 of 300 directly elected seats in 1986. The election was known for widespread rigging, ballot stuffing and fraud.

In the 2024 Bangladesh polls, the Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina, won a fourth consecutive term, securing 224 of 300 directly elected seats. The main opposition, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and its allies boycotted the election.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) won four elections in Bangladesh in 1979, 1991, February 1996 and 2001. Begum Khaleda Zia became the Prime Minister twice, in 1991 and 2001.

The Awami League won six elections in Bangladesh in 1973, 1996, 2008, 2014, 2018 and 2024. The party led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman won the first election with 293 seats in 1973.

Bangladesh held its 12th general election on January 7, 2024, for the 300-seat Jatiya Sangsad, extending Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League rule for a fourth term. The Awami League secured 224 seats outright, with allies and independents (mostly Awami League-backed) taking 62 more, amid a BNP boycott that slashed turnout to around 40 per cent as per Election Commission figures.

Opposition boycott and controversies

The main opposition BNP withdrew, labelling the polls neither free nor fair due to Hasina's refusal of a neutral caretaker government and arrests of thousands of activists. Violence marred pre-poll periods, including opposition clashes, while Western observers like the US and UK criticised the process as undemocratic, calling it a one-party dominance.

Sheikh Hasina's landslide masked deep discontent over economic woes, corruption, and authoritarianism, sparking student-led protests in mid-2024 that ousted her in August. This led to Muhammad Yunus's interim government, banning Awami League, and today's 2026 elections- now pitting BNP against Jamaat-e-Islami after 47.91 per cent turnout by 2 p.m., with counting underway.

Hasina claimed polling centers saw seizures, gunfire, vote-buying, ballot stamping, and agent-signed results from February 11 evening, leading to negligible turnout- only 14.96% by 11 am per Election Commission data- despite attacks on Awami League supporters and minorities. She demanded immediate poll cancellation, Yunus's resignation as "murderous-fascist," release of political prisoners, lifting of Awami League's ban, and fresh elections under a neutral caretaker government to restore democratic rights. This contrasts with official 47.91% turnout by 2 pm and counting underway.

Exiled Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina expressed gratitude to citizens, including mothers, sisters and minorities, for rejecting Muhammad Yunus's "illegal and unconstitutional" election, labeling it a voter-less farce without her party. Hasina claimed polling centers saw seizures, gunfire, vote-buying, ballot stamping, and agent-signed results from February 11 evening, leading to negligible turnout—only 14.96% by 11 a.m. per Election Commission data—despite attacks on Awami League supporters and minorities.

A total of 55,454 observers from 81 domestic organizations, along with around 500 foreign observers, monitored the election. There were 247,482 polling booths in 42,779 polling centers across the 299 constituencies.

A total of 51 political parties participated in the election, with 2,034 candidates in the race, including 275 independent contenders. The BNP fielded the highest number of candidates, 291, contesting with the paddy sheaf symbol. Islami Andolon Bangladesh nominated 258 candidates with the hand fan symbol, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami had 229 candidates with the Dari Palla (scales) symbol, and the Jatiya Party fielded 198 candidates with the plough symbol. The National Citizen Party nominated 32 candidates with the water lily bud symbol.

Voting has ended at all centers in Bangladesh's 13th parliamentary elections and referendum, with vote counting now underway on-site. Polls closed at 4:30 pm across 42,651 centers in 299 constituencies. Voters cast ballots in two boxes: one for local Member of Parliament, the other for the referendum on whether to amend the constitution per the July Charter 2025 declaration. 

From exile, deposed Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has demanded the cancellation of the ongoing 2026 parliamentary elections. This follows her Awami League party's ban by the Election Commission, amid vote counting after polls closed at 4:30 pm. Hasina previously warned that excluding her party disenfranchises millions, risking instability as noted in prior statements to media like Reuters and AP. Her call aligns with historical criticisms of the polls under Yunus's interim government, as BNP leads per EASD surveys projecting ~208 seats. Jamaat-e-Islami alleges fake voting, heightening tensions.

The poll shows 66.3% intending to vote BNP versus 11.9% for Jamaat-e-Islami, with strong BNP support among women at 71.1%. Regional highs for BNP include Chattogram (76.8%) and Sylhet (75.6%), while Jamaat leads in Barishal (17.8%) and Khulna (18.6%). EASD CEO Shamim Hayder Talukdar highlighted 80% of ex-Awami League backers shifting to BNP.

A February 9, 2026, survey by Eminence Associates for Social Development (EASD) forecasts a landslide for the BNP-led alliance in Bangladesh's 13th parliamentary election. Based on 41,500 respondents across all 300 constituencies, it projects BNP securing ~208 seats, Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance ~46, independents ~17, Jatiya Party ~3, others ~4, with 22 toss-ups.

This comes as vote counting progresses nationwide after polls closed at 4:30 pm, with prior turnout at 47.91 per cent by 2 pm. BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman urged swift result announcements amid the BNP-Jamaat rivalry. Such claims highlight ongoing electoral disputes in the post-Sheikh Hasina polls.

Jamaat-e-Islami accused fake voting at multiple polling stations in three parliamentary seats and demanded an immediate stop to proceedings. Party chief Dr Shafiqur Rahman specifically called to halt voting in Cumilla, Shariatpur and Patuakhali districts.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman called for the prompt announcement of poll results in Bangladesh's 2026 parliamentary elections. Vote counting is underway at 42,651 centers after polls closed at 4:30 pm, following 47.91% turnout by 2 pm. This push aligns with BNP's frontrunner status amid BNP-Jamaat rivalry.

In Bangladesh's Barishal Division, Jhalakathi district, 34-year-old Shapna Begum was arrested for casting a fraudulent vote during the ongoing elections. A mobile court under District Judicial Magistrate Mukta Rani sentenced her to 2 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of 5,000 Taka. This enforcement action underscores efforts to maintain electoral integrity as vote counting proceeds nationwide.

Women voters participated enthusiastically today, joining early morning crowds of adult voters at polling stations. This reflects high anticipation amid BNP-Jamaat rivalry and the post-Hasina political shift.

Voting has ended at all centers in Bangladesh's 13th parliamentary elections and referendum, with vote counting now underway on-site. Polls closed at 4:30 p.m. local time across 42,651 centers in 299 constituencies. Voters cast ballots in two boxes: one for local Member of Parliament, the other for the referendum on whether to amend the constitution per the July Charter 2025 declaration. Turnout reached 47.91% by 2 p.m., building from 32.88% at noon.

A survey conducted by Eminence Associates for Social Development (EASD) indicates a sweeping win for the BNP-led alliance, projecting it could secure around 208 of the 300 directly elected seats in Parliament. The findings were reported by the Dhaka Tribune. According to the survey, the Jamaat-e-Islami–led alliance is expected to win 46 seats. The Jatiya Party is projected to secure three seats, other parties four, and independent candidates 17.

Bangladeshi writer and activist, Taslima Nasreen stressed reducing wealth gaps through economic growth while ensuring minority security. She added that delivering effectively on these fronts would build public trust and popularity for the BNP government.

Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen warned that a BNP victory would bring serious hurdles ahead. She urged the party to safeguard democracy, secularism, free speech, women's equality, human rights, universal education and healthcare at all costs.

1. Bangladesh Nationalist Party
2. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami
3. National Citizen Party
4. Jatiyo Party 

Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen stated that voting remained largely peaceful despite disturbances and clashes between party supporters at some centers. She highlighted allegations of Jamaat-e-Islami activists casting votes themselves since yesterday evening. Nasreen noted one Jamaat leader caught with 7.4 million Taka in cash, alongside claims of vote-buying through money distribution. Activists allegedly campaigned using the scale symbol, promising heavenly rewards and divine instructions to vote Jamaat.

This marks a turnaround from past abstentions, with BNP as frontrunner fielding 291 candidates against Jamaat amid Awami League's ban. Turnout reached 47.91% by 2 pm, polls closing at 4:30 pm.

BNP boycotted several elections under Sheikh Hasina's rule, which also saw crackdowns on Jamaat-e-Islami over alleged 1971 war crimes. Both parties now enter the 2026 polls leading multi-party alliances.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman said his party would accept the election results if the polls are held in a free, fair and controversy-free manner. “If the election is free, if it is fair, if it is without controversy, then why would we not accept it? Of course we will accept it. All parties will accept it,” he told media at the party’s Gulshan chairman’s office.

Voting continues smoothly across all 42,651 centers in Bangladesh's 13th parliamentary elections and referendum. Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed reported 47.91% turnout by 2:00 pm from data at 36,031 centers.

With polling closed at 4:30 pm (Bangladesh local time) in 299 constituencies, turnout builds from 47.91 per cent (till 2 pm) amid BNP-Jamaat rivalry. Counting follows, determining post-Yunus government and National Charter 2025 fate.

A parallel vote gauges support for Muhammad Yunus's 84-point National Charter 2025, outlining governance reforms. This dual process, under heavy 1 million-strong security, marks a post-Hasina shift with international observers present. Counting starts post-polls in 299 constituencies.

Bangladesh's 2026 parliamentary elections pit BNP against former ally Jamaat-e-Islami, with Awami League banned after Sheikh Hasina's ouster. BNP fields 291 candidates as frontrunner amid 1,755 total contenders from 50+ parties. Voter turnout hit 47.91 per cent by 2 pm, polls closing at 4:30 pm.

The parliamentary elections came at a time of significant change, following the death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and the ongoing ban on her long-time rival, Sheikh Hasina's Awami League party. With nearly 127 million eligible voters, the eighth most populous nation in the world heads to the polls on February 12. Nearly half the voters are between the ages of 18-37 of which 4.57 million are first-time voters.

Bangladesh's 2026 parliamentary elections saw voter turnout rise of 47.91 per cent by 2 pm across polling centers. Voting continues until 4:30 pm, with counting underway in 299 constituencies.

Nearly 1 million security personnel, including APCs and drones, ensured the largest-ever deployment with no major alarms. Isolated incidents included a Gopalganj bomb injuring three, Munshiganj blasts halting one center briefly, and a fatal Khulna clash killing BNP's Mohibuzzaman Kochi. Overnight issues like ballot tampering arrests occurred in Joypurhat and Sylhet.

Interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus cast his ballot early at Gulshan Model School in Dhaka, calling it the 'birthday of the new Bangladesh.' BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman voted at a nearby center, urging festive participation after over a decade's wait. Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman also voted, amid BNP-Jamaat rivalry.

Bangladesh's parliamentary elections on February 12, recorded a 32.88% voter turnout by noon across 32,789 of 42,651 polling centers. Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed no voting suspensions despite this progress. Voting continued smoothly in 299 of 300 constituencies until 4:30 pm.

The voting began at 7:30 am in Bangladesh in 299 parliamentary constituencies and is scheduled to continue until 4:30 pm. The Bangladesh election commission has cancelled the voting in one of the constituencies after the death of the candidate. A total of 50 political parties are contesting the polls with 1,755 candidates and 273 independents are also contesting the election.