DHAKA, Dec 10, 2023 (BSS) - A total of 56 aspirants regained their candidature as the Election Commission (EC) today heard the first 94 appeals lodged with the EC challenging decisions of returning officers (RO) over acceptance and rejection of nomination papers to contest in January 7 general elections.

Of the 94 appeals, 32 were rejected by the commission while the results of six appeals will be disclosed later.

Led by Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal, the EC delivered the verdicts after reviewing the appeals at the Nirbachan Bhaban in the city's Agargaon area today.

Concerned aspirants were present during the appeal hearing with their legal representatives and the essential documents.

On the first day slated for appeal hearing, a total of 100 appeals were supposed to be heard today, but the EC disposed of 94 appeals as remaining six aspirants were absent.

The EC will hear 100 appeals everyday till December 15 while there is a scope for the aspirants to go to the High Court if they could not be satisfied with EC's decision.

A total of 2,716 aspirants submitted nomination papers to vie in the upcoming election. Of them, 1,985 nomination papers were accepted and 731 were cancelled by ROs during the scrutiny.

Challenging ROs decisions over rejection and acceptance of nomination papers, 561 appeals were lodged with the EC between December 5 and 9.
As per the election schedule, the last date for withdrawing candidature is December 17 while the ROs will distribute election symbols among candidates on December 18.

The voting of the 12 Jatiya Sangsad (JS) polls will be held on January 7, 2024.