Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal said on Tuesday that immediate action will be taken if ministers and lawmakers attempt to sway the outcome of the upazila parishad polls due on May 8.
Speaking to reporters at Nirbachan Bhaban, the CEC said, "We will closely monitor whether any ministers or members of parliament attempt to influence the voting process. Swift action will be taken if any such interference is detected."
While noting that the Election Commission has effectively curbed ministerial influence, he said, "Several lawmakers are still present in their constituencies. However, they have been cautioned against interfering with the electoral process."
Asserting that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a free and fair election, the Chief Election Commissioner revealed that each polling center will be manned by 17 law enforcement personnel, with this number increasing to 19 in particularly sensitive areas."
The upazila parishad election will take place in four phases. In the initial phase, 1,588 candidates will compete across 150 upazilas.
Among them, 554 candidates are contending for chairman positions, 605 for vice chairman positions, and 429 for vice chairman positions reserved for women.
Additionally, 25 candidates, including six for chairman positions, nine for vice chairman positions, and 10 for vice chairman positions reserved for women, have already been elected unopposed in the first phase of the elections.
