Dhaka, Jan 09 (V7N)- Today is the final day to file appeals against the Returning Officers’ decisions on the acceptance and cancellation of nomination papers for the upcoming 13th National Parliament election.

On the last day, Friday (January 9), prospective candidates from different parts of the country have been arriving at the Election Commission (EC) since morning to submit their appeals. Appeals are being received at 10 designated booths, and the process will continue until 5:00 pm.

Earlier, a total of 469 appeals were filed with the Election Commission over the past four days challenging the decisions on nomination papers. On the fourth day alone, 174 appeals were received. Among them, 164 appeals were filed against the cancellation of nomination papers, while 10 appeals challenged the acceptance of nomination papers. With today’s submissions, the appeal-filing process will come to an end.

According to the election roadmap, appeal hearings will be held from January 10 to January 18. The last date for withdrawal of candidacy is January 20, after which the Returning Officers will publish the final list of candidates and allocate electoral symbols on January 21.

The official election campaign will begin on January 22, paving the way for the next phase of the electoral process ahead of the 13th National Parliament election.

END/SMA/AJ