In the first phase of the upazila parishad elections, 15-20% votes were cast in the first four hours till 12 noon on Wednesday, Election Commission (EC) Secretary Jahangir Alam has said.
The EC Secretary revealed this information while talking to reporters at the Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon, Dhaka on Wednesday.
He said, “The voting started at 8am in the morning in a peaceful environment. Field level officials said that polling is going on smoothly. Till noon voters’ turnout varies from centre to centre. It is not possible to say precisely what percentage of votes have been cast. However, analyzing the data obtained, it can be said that an average of 15 to 20% votes have been cast till noon.” Specific information will be available later, he added.
Meanwhile, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has detained three people in connection with a clash between the supporters of candidates right before the polling started at Shalla upazila parishad.
The elite force has also destined an assistant presiding officer of the same upazila on allegation of campaigning for a candidate.
Voting in first phase of the sixth upazila parishad elections in 139 upazilas started at 8am on Wednesday and will continue till 4 pm without any breaking.
According to the Election Commission (EC), a total of 1,635 candidates are competing in this phase. Of them, 570 are vying for the post of chairman, 625 for vice chairman and 440 for the post of female vice chairman.
According to the Election Commission (EC), a total of 1,635 candidates are competing in this phase. Of them, 570 are vying for the post of chairman, 625 for vice chairman and 440 for the post of female vice chairman.
In the first phase, 3 crore 14 lakh 68 thousand 102 voters will exercise their voting rights in 81,804 polling booths of 11,556 centers.
Some 17 law enforcement personnel will be deployed in each general center while 18-19 personnel in the important center to hold the polls peacefully.
Apart from this, 19 law enforcement officers will be deployed in general centers and 20-21 law enforcement personnel in important centers in special areas (hilly or remote areas), as per the decision of the Election Commission (EC).
Considering the number of voters and the importance of the polling stations, two to four platoons of BGB will perform duty in each upazila. The Coast Guard will act as a mobile and striking force in the islands of the coastal area.
Meanwhile, candidates for all the posts in- Hatia, Munshiganj Sadar, Bagerhat Sadar, Parshuram and Shibchar upazillas have won unopposed.
Apart from this, voting in three upazilas in the hill district of Bandarban has been suspended.
