The Election Commission (EC) has warned of stern actions against any kind of irregularity during the Upazila Election.
In the first of the five phases of the voting, 78 Upazilas will go to polls on Sunday (Mar 10).
The EC said it will take “immediate actions” against officials, including law enforcers, if found to be negligent.
“The officials in charge of a centre as well as security personnel deployed will be held liable for any kind of irregularity and the balloting will be halted immediately,” EC Additional Secretary Mokhlesur Rahman told a media call on Saturday (Mar 9).
The EC expects a high turnout in the Upazila polls, he said before adding, “It’s a local government election. The candidates are far more active.”
Responding to a query, Rahman said, “There has been no instance indicating the Commission to be lenient or negligent.”
On postponing voting in three Upazilas, he said the Commission deems that the existing conditions there would not allow a free and fair voting.
The EC had announced the schedule for voting in 87 Upazila in the first phase, but balloting will be held on 78 Upazilas on Sunday, said the EC additional secretary.
“Voting was halted in three upazilas on the court’s order, another three was halted by the EC while no balloting is required in three other Upazilas as there are only single candidates,” he said.
Mar 10 polls at a glance
Total Voters 14,248,850
Polling Stations 5,847
Number of candidates
Chairman 207; Vice Chairman 386; Women Vice Chairman 249;