Returning officers on Tuesday said that the death of the former prime minister and BNP chairperson ahead of the scrutiny of nomination papers for the 13th parliamentary elections will not affect the electoral process.
This time, nomination papers of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia were submitted in the Feni-1, Bogura-7 and Dinajpur-3 constituencies. There are multiple BNP candidates in these seats. Monday was the last day for submitting nomination papers.
Scrutiny of nomination papers began on Tuesday (30 December) and will continue until 4 January. After scrutiny, appeals and their disposal, the final date for withdrawal of candidature is 20 January. Symbols will be allotted to contesting candidates on 21 January.
During scrutiny, if everything is found to be in order, the returning officer declares the nomination valid; if any discrepancies are found under the law and rules, the nomination paper is rejected. There is scope to appeal against the returning officer’s decision to the Election Commission.
After the withdrawal period ends, a final list of valid candidates is prepared, and symbols are then allotted to the contesting candidates by the returning officer.
If a valid candidate dies, election activities are cancelled and a fresh schedule is announced as per the law. However, as the BNP chairperson died before the scrutiny process, returning officers said her nomination papers would remain suspended, but the election would not be halted.
Bogura Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Md Toufiqur Rahman said that as the death occurred before scrutiny, her nomination papers would remain suspended during the scrutiny process. He said there are multiple candidates from the party in this constituency and their nomination papers are in place.
“As symbols have not yet been allotted, the election process in Bogura-7 will not be affected and voting-related activities will continue,” he said.
He added that nomination papers are being scrutinised in accordance with legal provisions and necessary information, and decisions will be announced by 4 January.
Feni Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Monira Haque said the election process would continue, as there are multiple BNP candidates in the Feni-1 constituency as well.
In line with the Representation of the People Order (RPO), one final candidate will be determined from among multiple party nominations, she said, adding that the submitted nomination papers are being examined for eligibility and ineligibility.
Decisions on nomination papers for Feni’s three constituencies will be announced on 4 January in the presence of the candidates, she said, noting that the work is ongoing in line with Election Commission directives.
Dinajpur Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Md Rafiqul Islam said there is no problem with the election process in Dinajpur and that scrutiny of nomination papers is underway.