EC showed no bias in appeal hearings, says CEC Nasir
Over nine consecutive days, the CEC and four other election commissioners heard a total of 645 appeals at the EC headquarters
The Election Commission (EC) did not show any bias during the appeal hearings over candidates' nominations, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin said on Sunday (18 January), reiterating the commission's commitment to holding a fair, inclusive and participatory election.
Speaking at the EC headquarters around 8pm after concluding the appeal hearings, the CEC said the commission had even relaxed the requirement of verifying signatures of 1% of voters for independent candidates to encourage wider participation in the polls.
"You may criticise us, and many already have. But you have seen how we relaxed the issue of verifying the signatures of 1% of voters for independent candidates, because we want the election to be participatory. We want a beautiful election with everyone's participation. But this will not be possible without your cooperation," Nasir said.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Appellants present at the venue assured the CEC of their cooperation.
Over nine consecutive days, the CEC and four other election commissioners heard a total of 645 appeals at the EC headquarters.
"I can assure you that neither my team nor I have delivered any judgment with bias. You raised queries and responded to questions, and I am amazed to see this," he said, congratulating the appellants on behalf of the commission and expressing hope for continued cooperation.
According to the EC, the candidacy of 417 aspirants was declared valid following the appeal hearings, bringing the total number of valid contenders to 2,253.
As per the announced schedule, candidates will be able to withdraw their nominations until 20 January. The final list of contestants will be published thereafter, with electoral symbols to be allocated on 21 January.
Meanwhile, Sunday was the final day for submitting nomination papers in the Pabna-1 and Pabna-2 constituencies. The scrutiny and appeal processes there will be completed accordingly.
Voting in all 300 constituencies is scheduled for 12 February, alongside a referendum on the same day.
