Dhaka, Jan. 17 -- The Election Commission on Friday restored the candidacies of 18 more previously rejected aspirants, while upholding the candidacies of four others, including Sabira Sultana, the BNP-nominated candidate for Jashore-2 in the upcoming national election scheduled for February 12 next.

The EC that acts as the electoral appeal tribunal made the decisions hearing a total of 43 appeal petitions filed against the decisions of the returning officers over the acceptance or cancellation of the nomination papers.

Besides, 17 other previously rejected candidates couldn't return to the race as the EC turned down the petitions to regain their candidacy.

The petitions filed by four invalid candidates, including two BNP aspirants for ...