In a recent development, the Election Commission (EC) has overturned its earlier decision to scrap the candidacy of Dhallywood actress Sharmin Akter Nipa, widely known as Mahiya Mahi, for the Rajshahi-1 (Godagari-Tanore) constituency in the forthcoming 12th parliamentary elections.
The decision came after the EC heard Mahi's appeal regarding the initial disqualification on Monday, marking a significant turn of events in her electoral journey.
Expressing her satisfaction with the reversal, Mahi stated, "I have received justice. I have started to believe a fair election under this EC is possible."
Mahi had initially sought nomination papers from the ruling Awami League to contest the Chapainawabganj-2 seat. However, she was overlooked by the party, prompting her decision to run as an independent candidate for the Rajshahi-1 seat.
As an independent candidate, Mahi was required to submit a list of signatures from one percent of the constituency's voter base, as per election regulations. However, election officials invalidated her nomination during the screening process on December 3, citing the presence of 'fake voter signatures' in her submitted documents.
Undeterred, Mahi promptly challenged the decision and appealed to the EC, which has now resulted in the restoration of her candidacy. Notably, Omar Farooq Chowdhury, the current Member of Parliament and former president of the district Awami League, has been nominated for the Rajshahi-1 constituency this time.
Chowdhury has been a longstanding representative, holding the seat as a member of parliament since 2008. The 12th parliamentary election is scheduled to take place on January 7, according to the timeline announced by Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal on November 15.
