The Election Commission (EC) yesterday rejected the review petition of Finance Minister M Saifur Rahman, ruling party nominee for the coming general elections from Moulvlbazar-3, sources in EC said.

Saifur Rahman had filed the petition seeking cancellation of his sole rival Misbahur Rahman Chowdhury's nomination paper claiming that Misbahur did not sign the declaration paper confirming that he was not contesting from more than five constituencies.

The EC heard the petitioner and the defendant on Wednesday and said that it would give its decision the next day.

EC sources said that in his note to reject the review petition. the Chief Election Commissioner said that the omission of the signature was a mere technical defect which did not justify cancel latlon of anybody's nomination paper.