Nomination scrutiny concludes today; EC issues guidelines for appeals

The scrutiny of nomination papers by returning officers for the 13th Jatiya Sangsad Election will conclude today, as the Election Commission (EC) has issued detailed guidelines and the prescribed format for filing appeals against the acceptance or rejection of nominations.

According to a statement from the EC Secretariat, appeals may be filed from January 5 to January 9, up to 5:00pm. The referendum and national elections are scheduled for February 12, 2026.

Md Ruhul Amin Mallik, director of public relations at the EC Secretariat, told BSS that once the scrutiny process ends today, the Commission will announce the nationwide figures for accepted and rejected nomination papers.

Verification of nomination papers of contesting candidates will continue until January 4. Any candidate, bank, financial institution, government service provider, or an authorised representative of a candidate may lodge an appeal with the Election Commission against a nomination decision by 5:00pm on January 9, 2026.

Appeals must be submitted to the secretary of the EC Secretariat using the prescribed form, clearly stating the date of acceptance or rejection, the grounds for appeal, and enclosing a certified copy of the relevant order.

Seven copies of each appeal, including one original, must be submitted at the designated booth of the concerned regional appeal acceptance centre of the Election Commission.

Applicants seeking a copy of the appeal verdict must apply using the prescribed form, available at the central appeal submission booth. The appellant or an authorised representative may collect the decision.

The Election Commission will hear and dispose of appeals between January 10 and January 18, 2026.

The statement further noted that registered political parties, their nominated candidates, independent candidates, authorised representatives, and recipients of government benefits must comply with the “Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections, 2025.”