Tasnim Zara to Appeal Nomination Cancellation Decision

PNN News Desk, Dhaka

Tasnim Zara, an independent candidate for Dhaka-9 constituency, has announced her plan to appeal the decision to cancel her nomination. She stated that the formal appeal process has already begun.

On Saturday (January 3) afternoon, in a video message posted on her verified Facebook page, Tasnim Zara provided this information. She also reiterated her position in a written statement sent to the media.

Earlier on Saturday, after nomination verification, the Returning Officer declared Tasnim Zara’s nomination canceled. This was confirmed by Additional Divisional Commissioner (Revenue) of Dhaka Division, Mozammel Hossain.

Tasnim Zara had submitted a list of voter signatures amounting to 1% of voters as required for an independent candidate in Dhaka-9. The number of signatures exceeded the required limit. However, during verification, it was found that two of the ten selected proposers and supporters were not registered voters of the relevant constituency. According to election rules, this led to the cancellation. However, the appeal process is available.

Reacting to the decision, Tasnim Zara stated that they do not accept the cancellation. She claimed the Election Commission’s rationale does not fully reflect the real situation. She explained that in some areas of Dhaka, where multiple constituencies exist, many voters are not certain which constituency they belong to. The Election Commission database is not publicly accessible or easy to use, leading to such confusion.

Her husband, Khaled Saifullah, added that signatures were collected from about 5,000 voters for Dhaka-9. Among those randomly checked, most data were accurate. Only two voters showed discrepancies in constituency information, although their identity cards reflected the same. These two voters have already submitted written clarification letters. The formal appeal will be filed with the Election Commission’s appellate authority on the next working day.

Tasnim Zara is a former senior leader of the National Citizens Party (NCP). After resigning from the party on December 27, she announced her candidacy as an independent in Dhaka-9 and submitted her nomination on December 29, collecting the required signatures in just one and a half days.