Dhaka, Jan 18 (V7N) — Today (Sunday) is the final day of hearings on appeals filed against the decisions of Returning Officers regarding the acceptance and rejection of nomination papers for the upcoming 13th National Parliament elections. At the same time, the Election Commission (EC) is also expected to decide on the crucial issue of whether candidates holding dual citizenship will be eligible to contest the national elections.

According to the EC, all remaining appeals will be heard today starting at 10:00 am at the auditorium of the Election Building in Agargaon, Dhaka.

On Saturday, the eighth day of appeal hearings, the Commission heard 112 appeals. Of these, 45 appeals were allowed. Among them, 43 appeals were approved against the cancellation of nomination papers, while 2 appeals were approved against the acceptance of nomination papers.

Meanwhile, the EC rejected 37 appeals. Of these, 13 appeals were against the cancellation of nomination papers, and 24 were against the acceptance of nomination papers. In addition, 9 appeals were withdrawn, 2 appellants were absent, and 19 appeals were kept pending for further consideration.

The EC noted that the appeal process is being conducted in accordance with the announced schedule to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process.

According to the election roadmap, the last date for withdrawal of candidacy is January 20. The Returning Officers will publish the final list of candidates and allocate election symbols on January 21. Official election campaigning will begin on January 22 and will continue until 7:30 am on February 10.

The 13th National Parliament election will be held on Thursday, February 12, with voting scheduled from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm across the country.

END/SMA/AJ