Dhaka, Jan 5 (V7N)- On the first day of the appeal process for the 13th National Assembly elections, a total of 42 appeals were filed with the Election Commission (EC) on Monday (January 5) against the decisions of the Returning Officers regarding nomination papers.

Of these, 39 appeals were lodged against the cancellation of nomination papers, while two were against the acceptance of nomination papers.

Appeals were filed from nine out of ten regions. Dhaka saw the highest number with 15 appeals, followed by Faridpur (7), Rajshahi (5), Comilla (5), Rangpur (3), Khulna (3), Chittagong (2), Barisal (1), and Mymensingh (1). No appeals were filed from Sylhet on the first day.

The appeal process began today at the Election Building in Agargaon, Dhaka, where 10 regional booths have been set up. Candidates, banks, financial institutions, government service providers, or anyone authorized in writing by a candidate can file appeals until 5 pm on January 9.

The hearings to resolve the appeals will be conducted from January 10 to January 18 at the auditorium of the Election Building, EC officials said.

END/SMA/AJ