Over 73% of independent candidates' nomination papers rejected
42 appeals filed on first day
Nomination papers of 351 out of 478 independent candidates across the country were rejected after scrutinising their affidavits submitted for the 13th national election, showing a cancellation of 73.4 percent of the total neutral contestants.
According to Election Commission (EC) data, nominations of 27 BNP candidates, nine Jamaat-e-Islami candidates, two NCP candidates and 28 candidates from Gono Odhikar Parishad were restricted.
As the appeal process began today (5 January), 42 candidates submitted appeals with the EC on the first day, challenging the rejection decisions, with independent candidates staying atop.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
EC Public Relations Director Md Ruhul Amin Mollik told media that out of the 42 filed appeals, 41 appeals were submitted seeking reinstatement of candidacy, while one application was filed requesting cancellation of a candidate's nomination.
Analysing the EC's consolidated list of valid and cancelled nominations, it was found that a large number of independent candidates were disqualified due to discrepancies in voter support data.
Speaking to journalists after visiting the appeal booths at the EC Bhaban, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin said the overall election environment remained satisfactory, and sought cooperation from all to hold the election peacefully.
Though some candidates filed appeals yesterday many others visited the EC office to gather information to submit appeals with necessary documents soon.
Independent candidate for Dhaka-9 Tasnim Jara said her nomination was cancelled despite submitting nearly 5,000 voter signatures. "Those who signed for me want me to contest the election. I will continue my legal fight."
SM Fazlul Haque, an independent candidate from Patuakhali-3, said only 29 signatures were cited as inconsistent and he put up with the discrimination they faced in submitting nomination forms.
Dhaka-7 independent candidate Ishaq Sarker said he was rejected even though he met the one-percent support requirement. "I have filed an appeal."
Meanwhile, BNP candidate MA Hannan filed an application seeking cancellation of the candidacy of independent contender AK Ekramuzzaman in Brahmanbaria-1.
Ekramuzzaman had contested as a BNP candidate in the 9th and 11th parliamentary elections and lost, but won the 12th election in 2024 as an independent.
Gono Odhikar Parishad member and media coordinator Abu Hanif said 76 of their submitted nominations were declared valid, while 11 were cancelled and the appeal process for the rejected nominations was underway.
Visiting the appeal booths, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said they would make decisions after proper examination.
This year, a total of 3,406 nomination papers were collected, of which 2,568 were submitted. After scrutiny, 1,842 nominations were declared valid, while 723 were cancelled, with the highest 133 nominations cancelled in Dhaka region and the lowest 31 in Barishal region.
In the 2024 election, a record 747 independent candidates submitted nominations, of whom 423 were disqualified during scrutiny.
According to the election schedule, the appeals by aggrieved candidates can be filed from January 5 to 9 and those will be disposed of between January 10 and 18.
