Fifth phase municipality polls today
Twenty nine municipalities in 20 districts go to polls today amid worries over violence and confusion among many voters about Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
The worries and confusion stemmed from the record of municipality polls in previous phases and some remarks made by ruling party leaders.
The Election Commission is holding the polls, which take place every five years, in six phases. The fifth phase is being held today.
EC Secretary Humayun Kabir yesterday said that they took all measures to hold the election peacefully and in a free and fair manner.
Talking about violence during the campaign and on election day, Humayun said, "We have asked law enforcers to take steps against any kind of untoward incidents."
EC Joint Secretary Asaduzzaman Arzu said there was no scope for confusion regarding the uses of EVMs as the commission held mock voting and massive campaigns at the municipalities.
A total of 100 candidates are running for mayor at the 29 municipalities. The number of candidates for general councillor posts and those for the reserved seats for women are 1,270 and 342.
About 13.84 lakh people are eligible to vote today.
The candidates from the Awami League and its political archrival the BNP are favourites in most municipalities but other parties, including the Jatiya Party and Islami Andolon, have mayor candidates in some municipalities.
However, no election will be needed at Roujan Municipality as all candidates were elected unopposed there.
There have been some worrying statements made by ruling party leaders.
Brahmanbaria Awami League General Secretary Al Mamun Sarkar yesterday said, "All councillor candidates reached a consensus that voters will cast votes on the boat symbol [AL's electoral symbol] openly and for the councillors' positions secretly."
Political parties are nominating candidates for mayor posts. They are not nominating councillor candidates.
Mamun is the chief election agent for the AL candidate in Brahmanbaria municipality and he made the comment at a press conference at the district press club.
He also said that there would be 10 volunteers from AL at all polling stations and they would wear a special attire.
AL rebel mayor candidate Mahmudul Haq Bhuiyan said, "With this comment, I don't think there is anything left for voting."
At Gazipur's Kaliganj municipality independent candidate Lutfor Rahman said that Awami League supporters have attacked his supporters and tore off his posters.
He urged the EC to make an acceptable atmosphere so that voters can cast their voters freely without fear.
Ruling AL mayor candidates have clinched sweeping victories in the first, second, third, and fourth phases of the election.
Comments