Dhaka, Jan 11 (V7N) — The second day of hearings for the disposal of appeals against the cancellation of candidatures by Returning Officers in the upcoming 13th National Parliament elections is underway at the Election Commission (EC).

The appeal hearings began at 10:00 am on Sunday.

As of the latest update, the EC has heard 35 appeals, restoring the candidatures of 28 applicants. Appeals of five candidates were rejected, while hearings for two candidates were postponed. The Commission has set a target of disposing of 70 appeals per day.

Earlier, on the first day of hearings, the EC declared the nomination papers of 52 candidates valid, including independent candidate Tasneem Zara from the Dhaka-9 constituency and Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Hamidur Rahman Azad from Cox’s Bazar-2.

In total, 645 candidates have appealed to the Election Commission seeking remedies, including the restoration of their candidatures. The appeal hearings will continue until January 18.

According to the election schedule, candidates will have the opportunity to withdraw their nominations until January 20. Following this, final symbols will be allocated, and the official election campaign will begin.

END/SMA/AJ