The Election Commission on Thursday directed the presiding officers and law enforcers to maintain the privacy of voters, polling centres, and booths in the next district council polls, set to be held on Monday.
The commission also instructed that voters should not go inside polling booths with mobile phones, said a notification signed by Election Commission Deputy Secretary Md Atiar Rahman on Thursday.
“As per the district council electoral rules, breaching or attempting to breach the privacy of a voter is a punishable offence. The regulations clearly state the presiding officers and law enforcers are to prevent such illegal activities or misconduct.” reads the notification.
It also states that immediate actions will be taken against a person (even if they are a high-rank official) if they are found to violate the voting rights of the voters.
“If unable to take action due to any reason beyond control, the matter should be immediately reported to the Election Commission directly or through the returning officer, regional election officer, or district election officer,” it reads.
The notification further warned that action will be taken against any election officer who fails to follow the rules.
On October 6, the Election Commission directed deputy commissioners (DCs) and superintendents of police (SPs) across the country to ensure a peaceful environment in the upcoming district council polls.
The commission has taken all the necessary steps for free, fair and neutral election, according to a directive signed by SM Asaduzzaman, director (public relations) of the commission and also joint secretary (CC) election commission secretariat.
The Election Commission urged all concerned to strictly follow the rules of electoral conduct in the district council polls.
