The Election Commission has rejected the bids of 129 out of 145 parties to register for parliamentary polls, clearing only 16, including the National Citizen Party.

An EC Secretariat committee met on Sunday to review the submissions, which were allowed time to correct errors and fill information gaps until Aug 3.

Additional Secretary KM Ali Newaz said the 16 surviving parties will face on-the-ground investigations to verify their central and local offices, committees and other submitted details.

Officials said 59 applications lacked required documents, while a further 69-70 failed to correct errors despite being given the opportunity. Those deemed ineligible will be formally notified.

Of the 145 applicants who submitted by the Jun 22 deadline, 80 eventually met requirements, but 65 failed to provide mandatory details. The NCP was among those who submitted the missing documents on the final day.

The EC will decide the next steps after receiving field investigation reports and commission approval.