Party banned, not individual: EC Masud on Latif Siddique issue

The Election Commission (EC) has clarified that a political party has been banned, but no individual has been barred from contesting elections, effectively clearing the path for independent candidates linked to banned parties to participate.

Senior Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud made the statement during the final hearing of appeals at the EC auditorium in the capital's Agargaon on Sunday (January 18).

The remarks came as lawyers debated the eligibility of independent candidate Abdul Latif Siddique from Tangail-4, whose nomination was challenged by national party candidate Md. Liaqat Ali.

Liaqat Ali’s lawyer argued that Siddique, as a leader of a banned political party, should be disqualified from contesting the parliamentary elections. In response, Commissioner Masud said, “The party has been banned, not the individual.”

After hearing all parties, the EC upheld Siddique’s nomination.

The hearing marked the conclusion of appeals against returning officers’ decisions on nominations for the 13th National Parliamentary elections. Proceedings began at 10:15am at the EC’s Basement-2 auditorium.