Fate of candidates stuck with dual citizenship to be decided today - EC makes big decision in election race

The Election Commission (EC) is going to announce its final decision on this important issue today (January 18) whether candidates with dual citizenship will be able to participate in the upcoming National Assembly elections. This decision is being seen as very significant on the eve of the national elections, because a large part of the nomination cancellations and appeals are related to dual citizenship.

EC sources said that almost all the applications currently pending in the commission are on the issue of dual citizenship. No final decision has been given on these applications so far. However, it is known that a clear position will be given on the candidates with dual citizenship in the commission's meeting today.

Meanwhile, today is the last day of hearing the appeals of those whose nominations were canceled by the Returning Officers ahead of the National Assembly elections. A total of 112 appeals were disposed of on the eighth day of the appeal hearing yesterday, Saturday (January 17). Of these, 45 appeals have been approved by the Election Commission.

According to the Commission sources, 43 appeals against the cancellation of nomination papers have been approved and 2 appeals against the acceptance of nomination papers have been approved. On the other hand, a total of 37 appeals have been rejected. Of these, 13 were against the cancellation of nomination papers and 24 were against the acceptance of nomination papers.

According to the election schedule, the last date for withdrawal of candidacy has been set as January 20. Then on January 21, the returning officers will publish the final list of candidates and allotment of symbols will be made. The official campaign for the election will begin on January 22.

The election campaign will continue till 7:30 am on February 10. Then, voting will be held across the country from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm on February 12 (Thursday). Political analysts believe that today's decision on dual citizenship will determine the electoral fate of many candidates.