Candidates who appeal their rejections will get justice, says CEC

He says everyone is equal under the law

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin has assured that candidates who have filed appeals against the decisions of returning officers following the scrutiny of nomination papers for the parliamentary election will receive justice.

He made the assurance on Thursday morning while visiting the appeal booth at the Nirbachan Bhaban in Dhaka’s Agargaon.

“We believe in justice; we will enact justice,” the CEC said.

“After the hearings, you will see that we will make decisions in accordance with the law and the rules. Everyone is equal under the law, and everyone is bound to obey it.”

More than 2,500 nomination papers were submitted by party-backed and independent candidates to contest the election.

After scrutiny between Dec 30 and Jan 4, returning officers rejected 723 candidatures. The number of valid candidates currently stands at 1,842.

Candidates were disqualified on several grounds, including loan defaulting, dual citizenship, discrepancies in case-related information, and a one percent mismatch in the supporter list.

The appeal process against the returning officers’ decisions began on Monday. By Thursday -- the fourth day -- 295 candidates had filed appeals over the previous three days. Appeals will continue until Jan 9.

“The Election Commission is the appellate authority,” Nasir said.

“If someone’s nomination is rejected, they can appeal to us. Even if someone is accepted, there is scope to appeal. Decisions will be given strictly according to the law.”

Political parties have alleged that law and order has “not improved that much” and that a level playing field is yet to be ensured. Responding to the criticism, the CEC said the situation during nomination submissions was comparatively calm.

“In the past, we have seen violence during nomination filing. This time, the process was conducted very smoothly. We have not received any information about clashes or unrest anywhere, which is a good sign,” he said.

Addressing complaints about the rejection of nominations, he added: “Many have said the Election Commission cancelled nominations unfairly. But the law empowers returning officers to make decisions. Where appeals are filed, the commission will take necessary steps according to the law. Everyone will get full justice.”

According to the election schedule, the Election Commission will hear appeal petitions from Jan 10 to Jan 18 and announce their decisions within that period.

The last date for withdrawal of candidacy is Jan 20. The final list of candidates, along with symbol allocation, will be published on Jan 21.

Election campaigning will begin on Jan 22 and continue until 7:30am on Feb 10. The general election is scheduled for Feb 12.