First all-EVM UP polls today

The sixth phase of the union parishad polls will be held today amid confusion among voters about how to use Electronic Voting Machines. 

Tension is also running high in many unions over the possibility of violence during today's elections to 218 union parishads.

According to media reports, at least 96 people have so far been killed and several hundred injured in violence over the ongoing staggered UP polls, which began in June last year with the first part of the first phase.

As the Election Commission is all set to hold its first major all-EVM polls in rural areas, many voters of different unions in Dinajpur and Mymensingh said they were confused about how to vote through EVMs.

About 42 lakh voters of 218 unions in 22 districts are expected to cast their votes today.

A farmer of Phulpur upazila's Poyari union said EVMs are new to them and he is doubtful about whether his vote would be cast properly.

Speaking to The Daily Star, EC Secretary Humayun Kabir Khandaker yesterday said there was no scope of confusion regarding EVM use as the commission conducted mock voting and massive campaigns at the union level to prepare the voters.

He added that an adequate number of law enforcers have been deployed at the unions to keep the law and order under control.

Elections to the chairman posts of 12 UPs will not be required as candidates have already been elected unopposed, according to EC data, which also showed that 100 UP members and 32 candidates for women's reserved seats were also elected uncontested.

At least 1,199 candidates are running for chairman posts, 2,559 for reserved member seats for women and 7,846 for member posts.

The contest would presumably be between Awami League, its party rebels and Jatiya Party candidates as the BNP is not taking part.

So far, AL has been dominating the polls in terms of winning the chairman posts.

The EC has announced the unofficial results of 3,677 UPs in the previous five phases.

AL chairman nominees won in 2,015 UPs and independents in 1,597.

Party insiders said most of the independents are "disgruntled AL men".

Polls to 137 UPs will be held in the seventh phase on February 7.