EC updates: 51 candidates’ nominations reinstated on Day 1, while one is rejected

On the first day of appeal hearings at the Election Commission (EC) over Returning Officers’ decisions in the 13th National Election, nominations of 51 candidates were reinstated.

Meanwhile, the appeal of one candidate—whose nomination had earlier been accepted—was rejected.

The hearings were held on Saturday from 10:00am to 5:00pm at the EC auditorium in Agargaon, Dhaka. Candidates who had challenged the cancellation of their nominations, along with their representatives, were present at the proceedings.

EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said that a total of 70 appeals were heard on the first day. “Of these, 52 appeals were allowed, including one seeking the cancellation of a nomination. Fifteen appeals were rejected, while three remain pending,” he said.

The EC has received 645 appeals in total against Returning Officers’ decisions on nomination papers for the 13th National Election. Appeals were accepted between January 5 and January 9, with 176 filed on the final day.

Appeal hearings began on Saturday and will continue until January 18. On the opening day, 70 appeals were disposed of, while hearings for 280 candidates are scheduled from 10:00am to 5:00pm up to next Tuesday.