60 candidates reinstated on sixth day of appeal hearing at EC

As preparations continue for the 13th national parliamentary election, 60 candidates regained their candidacy on the sixth day of appeal hearings against returning officers’ decisions on nomination scrutiny.

The hearings were held on Thursday at the Election Commission (EC) auditorium in Agargaon, Dhaka.

According to EC sources, appeals numbered 351 to 420 were disposed of on the sixth day. Of these, 60 appeals were allowed, 34 were rejected, and decisions on 10 appeals were kept pending due to legal complexities and the need for further verification of documents.

Since the appeal hearings began on 10 January, a total of 337 candidates have so far had their candidacy reinstated over the first six days.

In contrast, 115 appeals have been rejected, while decisions on 33 appeals remain pending.

On the first day, 52 candidates were reinstated, followed by 50 on the second day, with significant numbers approved on each of the subsequent days.

The EC announced that appeals numbered 421 to 490 will be heard on Friday (16 Jan). Hearings for appeals numbered 491 to 560 are scheduled for Saturday (17 Jan), while the final day of hearings—covering appeal number 561 to all remaining cases—will take place on Sunday (18 Jan).

A total of 645 appeal applications were submitted to the Commission seeking reinstatement of candidacy.