The ruling Awami League and Jatiya Party-nominated mayoral candidates for the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) by-polls have cast their ballots at separate polling centres in Dhaka.
The ruling Awami League-nominated mayoral candidate Atiqul Islam cast his ballot at a polling centre in Uttara, Dhaka.
He voted at a polling booth in Nawab Habibullah Model School & College around 9:10am on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters after voting, Atiqul said: “Voting is your [a voter's] democratic right, and I urge you all to exercise that right. With your votes, I will work to build a modern, clean, and beautiful Dhaka.
When asked about the absence of other major parties in the by-polls, Atiqul said: “I admit that the election would have been livelier, if more parties had participated in it. However, the Awami League nominated me for this by-election, and with your [a voter's] votes I will further develop the capital city.”
Speaking to the Dhaka Tribune, another voter at the centre said: “I was able to cast my vote without hassle. The presence of voters is lower than I expected.”
On the other hand, the Jatiya Party-nominated mayoral candidate Shafin Ahmed cast his ballot at a polling centre in Gulshan 2, Dhaka.
He voted at a polling booth in Manarat Dhaka International College in Gulshan 2 around 12:20pm on Thursday.
After voting, Shafin told reporters: “Voting at this centre is underway in a peaceful manner and that I have no complaint of any irregularities here.”
However, he said that the presence of his polling agents at the centre is lower than usual. When asked for the reason behind it, he said he cannot explain it but his chief election campaign manager might be able explain the matter.
Though Shafin said he witnessed no irregularities at his voting centre, he mentioned alleged irregularities are going on in many other centres in Dhaka.
“I have not filed a formal complaint about the irregularities yet. I will wait till the end and then file a complaint with the Election Commission.” He said.
Shafin Ahmed also expressed his concern about the low voter turnout at the polling centres.
When asked about the cause, he said: “Apart from rain, voters are in despair because of their experience in the previous elections. Hopelessness is a key reason behind the low voter turnout.”
The DNCC mayoral post fell vacant with the death of Annisul Huq on November 30, 2017. According to the schedule declared by the Election Commission, the by-polls for the DNCC mayoral post were supposed to be held on February 26 last year.
However, a High Court bench stayed the election for six months after hearing two separate writ petitions on January 14 last year. Another High Court bench later cleared the way to hold the by-election by withdrawing the stay order.
The election in 36 new Dhaka north and south city corporation wards is also being held on Thursday.