EC satisfied with polls

Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda yesterday claimed that they were successful in holding a free, fair, and credible election and that they were satisfied.

He said they would not hold a fresh election as demanded by the Oikyafront.

“Nothing happened to feel ashamed of during the election,” he said, flanked by all four election commissioners, at the Nirbachon Bhaban during a post-polls briefing.

Allegations of vote rigging, election clashes, intimidation, and irregularities came from several constituencies across the country. Over two dozen people were killed in one of the deadliest election day Sunday. More than 200 were injured in clashes between the Awami League and BNP supporters in 24 districts.

Opposition candidates boycotted the polls in 43 constituencies. Forty-two of them were Jatiya Oikyafront runners.

The CEC, however, said a huge number of people took part in the polls amid festivity. The turnout was around 80 percent, he said.

“This election is of course acceptable,” said Huda, mentioning that no national or international media reported massive irregularities during Sunday's polls.

There were some unfortunate incidents during voting and the commission will investigate the incidents, he said.

“The commission is expressing sorrow as there are reports of 14 deaths in stray incidents on election day.”

Rejecting the allegation of ballot box stuffing the night before, the CEC said, “It is completely untrue.”

“There is no scope for holding the national election again,” he said while answering a question about Jatiya Oikyafront's demand for fresh polls under a non-partisan interim government.

When his attention was drawn to Oikyafront alliance candidates getting only a few votes in some constituencies, he said it was the reflection of the votes cast. “They got the votes of people who voted for them.  

“Gazette notifications for the winning candidates would be issued very soon,” he said.  

The CEC thanked everyone, including members of the armed forces, law enforcers, and election officials, for their effort in holding a free, fair, and credible election.

“I hope that the new government formed through the election will lead the country towards development and prosperity.”

EC Secretary Helal Uddin Ahmed in the wee hours of yesterday said, “The voting in the parliamentary election was held in a very free, fair, and peaceful environment under a political government, this election will remain as a bright example.”