Appeal filing on nomination papers begins

The Election Commission will accept appeal on rejection and validation of the nomination papers of 13th Parliamentary Election from today.

Hearing on the appeals will be held in the EC auditorium from January 10 to 18.

Election Commission (EC) Secretary Akhtar Ahmed today said the aspirants whose nomination papers were rejected as well as any individual aggrieved with validation of any nomination paper, can appeal to the Commission.
 
The filing of the appeal will continue till January 9, 2026, he told reporters after inspecting an appeal filing centre at the EC’s office at Agargaon.

The final decision on the appeals will be made after scrutinising the documentary evidences during the appeal hearings, he said.

EC secretary said out of 2,568 nomination papers filed for the upcoming national elections, 1,842 candidacies were declared valid after scrutiny. Nomination papers of 723 individuals were cancelled due to various errors.”

Additionally, he said, three nomination papers filed in favour of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia were processed without scrutiny due to her demise.

Explaining the appeal process, the EC Secretary noted that aggrieved individuals can file appeals against returning officers‍‍` decisions.

"An aggrieved person can appeal on any issue," Ahmed said. If anybody files appeal with specific information and evidence, the commission will review it,” he added.

“We will receive the papers now, and later examine them and make decisions, the EC secretary said.

Addressing concerns about complications and harassment related to affidavits and deposition of one percent voter support for independent candidates, the EC Secretary said any inconsistency or grievances raised by the appellants would be reviewed during the hearing.

Regarding dual citizenship allegations, Ahmed clarified that media reports alone would not be adequate. The commission will look into the specific evidence,” he said.