Dhaka: The Election Commission on Saturday is going to hear and dispose of the remaining 233 petitions, including three of jailed BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, filed against the decisions of returning officers over the rejection and acceptance of nomination papers.

The EC’s third-day hearing will start at 10am at the Nirbachan Bhaban with Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda in the chair, reports the UNB.

Krishak Sramik Janata League President Kader Siddiqui and Gano Forum general secretary Mostafa Mohsin Montu are also among the 233 contestants whose appeals will be disposed of on the final day.

Khaleda Zia filed nomination papers in three constituencies —Bogura-6 and 7 and Feni-1— while Kader Siddiqui for two —Tangail-4 and 8, and Mostafa Mohsin Montu for Dhaka-3 constituency to contest the national election slated for December 30.

But the returning officers on December 2 turned down their nomination papers during scrutiny.

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 and will hear remaining 233 on Saturday.

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.