The process of scrutinizing the nomination papers of candidates participating in the upcoming 13th National Parliament election is ending on Sunday (January 4). The Election Commission (EC) will publish final information on how many nomination papers are valid and how many have been rejected after the ongoing selection process by returning officers in 300 constituencies across the country.

According to the schedule announced by the EC, the last day for screening of nomination papers is Sunday. The commission will officially present the overall picture of the entire country after receiving the report from the returning officers.

Those aggrieved by the decision of the Returning Officer or Assistant Returning Officer can appeal to the Election Commission from January 5 to January 11. The appeals received will be heard and disposed of from January 12 to January 18. Like every time, a special court and booth will be set up at the Election Commission Secretariat. The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other commissioners will sit there and give their verdict after hearing the appeal.

The EC said that the information received so far in 20 parliamentary constituencies of Dhaka Metropolitan City shows that out of a total of 238 candidates, 161 nomination papers have been declared valid. 81 have been cancelled and one has had his nomination papers suspended. In addition, one candidate has already withdrawn his candidacy. At least 62 candidates have had their nomination papers cancelled between constituencies 1 to 15 in Dhaka.

Regarding the candidates whose nomination papers were rejected during the scrutiny and selection process, Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam Sarkar said, “If any injustice is done to any candidate in the appeal process, it will be corrected. The reasons for which the returning officers have rejected the nominations will be verified in the appeal. If it is found that the reason for the rejection is not correct, then the nomination will be accepted according to the law.”