“I will not vote, as many of my supporters cannot vote today. As the ruling party’s candidates cast their [false] votes by themselves, this election is not fair anymore."
Afroza Abbas blamed ruling party supporters of indiscriminately obstructing them from entering polling centres – in many cases assaulting them to rig the voting system.
“There has been violence during voting, and there were almost no polling agents at polling stations. Our observers said ballot stuffing had prevailed, and voter turnout was markedly low. Around midday, only 20-25% voters turned up while mayoral and councillor candidates were almost absent at the polling stations.”
Election Working Group (EWG) Director Md Abdul Alim said voter turnout in the city corporation elections was very low and voting was frustrating.