(BSS) - Symbols for contesting candidates in the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) elections will be allotted today across constituencies.

According to the Election Commission (EC), a total of 305 candidates withdrew their nominations by the deadline at 5 pm on Tuesday. With these withdrawals, 1,967 candidates remain in the race nationwide.

An EC circular earlier had stated that symbols must be allotted and candidate lists published on the day following the deadline for withdrawal of nominations, which is January 21.

EC Secretariat Director (Public Relations) and Information Officer Md. Ruhul Amin Mallick said that the 1,967 candidates - both party-nominated and independents - will contest in 298 constituencies, excluding Pabna-1 and Pabna-2.

Election campaigning will begin on January 22 and continue until 48 hours before polling. Voting will be held on Thursday, February 12, from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm without interruption.

Balloting will be conducted using transparent ballot boxes and printed ballot papers for both the 13th National Parliament (JS) elections and the referendum.