RANGPUR, Dec 8, 2022 (BSS) - Seven candidates, including one for mayoral and six for general councilor posts, today withdrew nomination papers quitting the race from the Rangpur City Corporation (RpCC) elections- 2022.

     Returning Officer for RpCC Elections-2022 and Joint Secretary of Election Commission Abdul Baten said this evening that today was the last date for withdrawal of nomination papers.

     "Seven out of total 262 valid candidates, including one for mayoral and six general councilor posts, withdrew nomination papers today," he said, adding that none of the valid candidates for reserved women councilor posts withdrew nomination papers.

     After withdrawal of nomination papers, 255 candidates, including nine for mayoral post, 179 for 33 general councilor posts and 67 for 11 reserved women councilor posts are finally in the fray for RpCC Elections-2022.

     Earlier, a total of 277 candidates, including 10 for mayoral post, 198 for general councilor posts in 33 wards and 69 for reserved women councilor posts in 11 reserved wards submitted nomination papers by the last date on November 29 last.

     During scrutiny on December 1 last, the Returning Officer cancelled nomination papers of 36 candidates, including 29 for general councilor posts and seven for reserved women councilor posts for various reasons.

     Later, 33 out of 36 councilor post candidates appealed against cancellation of their nomination papers.

     After hearing on their pleas on Wednesday, the Appellate Authority of RpCC Elections-2022 declared nomination papers of 22 candidates, including 17 for general councilor and five reserved women councilor posts, as legitimate.

     Besides, the Appellate Authority cancelled the nomination paper of another valid councilor post candidate after hearing on a plea filed against validity of that nomination paper.

     "The poll symbols will be allocated tomorrow (December 9) and RpCC Elections- 2022 will be held from 8 am to 4 pm on December 27 next," the Returning Officer added.  Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be used in all polling centers in the third Rangpur City Corporation elections. Every polling station will be covered by CCTV cameras.

     As many as 4,26,469 voters, including 2,12,302 males and 2,14,167 females, will apply voting rights at the polling booths of 229 polling centres on December 27 next.