The Election Commission on Saturday kept the decisions pending until 5pm today (Saturday) on the petitions filed by BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Krishak Sramik Janata League President Kader Siddiqui.
After hearing on their petitions, the Commission kept pending the decisions on their appeals until 5 pm. Khaleda Zia filed nomination papers for three constituencies –Bogura-6 and 7 and Feni-1– while Kader Siddiqui for two –Tangail-4 and 8.
Talking to reporters’ Khaleda Zia’s lawyer Zainul Abedin said, “The nomination papers of Khaleda Zia were canceled by Returning Officers saying that she violated 12 (1d) of RPO. According to that law, the cancellation of Khaleda Zia’s nomination is illegal.”
“That’s why we appealed to the EC. Hearing our statement about the law, the EC didn’t give any decision that time. They said that they will announce their decision at 5pm.”Expressing optimism about Khaleda’s participation in the election, he said that legally Khaleda has no problem to take part in the election. “We hope the Election Commission will give fair decision at 5pm,”he added.
“This election is more important than the others. People want to cast their vote. The Election Commission will have to ensure the environment so that people can cast their votes comfortably. I will thank the EC if my petition is accepted. Despite rejection of my petition, I will also thank the EC if they hold the election in a free and fair manner,” said Kader while talking to reporters at the Nirbachan Bhaban.
Besides, the Election Commission declared invalid the nomination of BNP candidate from Chattogram-5 constituencyMir Mohammad HelalUddin on the last day of hearing petitions against the Returning Officers’ decision.The Election Commission resumed its hearing for the last day at 10am petitions filed against the decisions of the returning officers over the rejection and acceptance of nomination papers in different constituencies.The EC will hear and dispose of the remaining 233 petitions, including three of jailed BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia.
The returning officers accepted a total of 2,279 nomination papers and cancelled 786 others submitted in the 300 constituencies of the country.A total of 543 petitions were filed with the EC, the appellate authority, seeking that the decisions of returning officers be overturned.The Commission started its hearing and disposing of the petitions on Thursday.
The EC heard a total of 310 petitions in the first two days.So far, some 158 aspirants, including BNP’s 60, got back their candidatures with the EC’s judgment.If anyone is even aggrieved with the EC’s judgment, the person can to go to the High Court seeking redress.
The last date for withdrawal of the candidature is December 9.In case of multiple candidates in a single constituency, a political party will have to inform the returning officer and the Election Commission about its final contender for the parliamentary seat by December 9.
source: UNB
