128 women candidates out of 1896 to contest national polls

A total of 2,716 nomination papers have been submitted in the upcoming 12th parliamentary elections. Among them, 731 were cancelled after scrutiny. 560 appeals were made. 286 appeals were granted and 274 were dismissed. 347 nominations have been withdrawn across the country, five remain suspended. After the withdrawal of candidature, the total number of valid candidates is 1,896.

Of the total valid candidates, 128 women candidates will vie for the national elections slated to be held on January 7. The women candidates, who constitute 14.81 percent of total candidates, will contest in 99 constituencies. Of the women candidates, 83 will fight for 16 political parties out of 29 going for the national elections. The number of independent women candidates is 45.

Election Commission (EC) Secretary Jahangir Alam disclosed the information.