EC begins 3rd day of appeal hearings over nominations

The Election Commission (EC) on Monday (January 12) began the third day of hearings on appeals filed against decisions by returning officers over candidate nominations for the 13th National Parliamentary Election.

The hearings started at 10:00am and are scheduled to continue until 5:00pm.

According to EC officials, appeals numbered 141 to 210 are being heard on Monday. On Tuesday, appeals numbered 211 to 280 will be taken up.

Candidates from different parts of the country are appearing before the commission to challenge the acceptance or rejection of their nomination papers by returning officers.

On Saturday, the first day of hearings covered appeals numbered 1 to 70. The commission allowed 52 appeals—51 against the rejection of nomination papers and one against acceptance. As a result, the nomination of independent candidate S A K Ekramuzzaman in the Brahmanbaria-1 constituency was cancelled. Fifteen appeals were rejected and three were kept pending.

On Sunday, the EC heard 70 more appeals. Of those, 57 were allowed, seven were rejected and six were kept pending, with dates for further hearings communicated to the concerned candidates. The commission also approved the appeal of independent candidate and Munshiganj district BNP member secretary Mohiuddin for the Munshiganj-3 seat.

According to the election schedule, January 20 is the last date for withdrawal of candidature. The final list of candidates along with symbol allocation will be published on January 21. Election campaigning will begin on January 22 and continue until 7:30am on February 10.

Voting is scheduled to be held on February 12, from 7:30am to 4:30pm.