A defeated independent candidate of Lakshmipur-1 constituency has demanded re-polling in 31 polling centres, bringing allegations of vote-rigging during the national elections held on Sunday.
The 10 polling centres are Nandiara, Baurkhera, Kalachma, Baulkhara, Purbobigha, Kajirkhil, Moddho Senapur, Dehola, Station Model Government Primary School and Chondipur High School.
According to the election commission’s declaration, re-polling will be held in 21 polling centres of Lakshmipur-1.
However, Safikul Islam demanded the re-polling in 31 polling centres including the ones declared by the election commission. He also demanded that the security measures be strengthened in the voting centres to avoid vote-rigging.
Safikul claimed: “Awami League candidate MA Awal, with the help of Lakshmipur district retuning officer and its deputy commissioner, upazila Awami League President Shahjahan contractor and local criminals took position in 10 voting centres and cast 90.52% of the votes.”
“Whereas, only 40% votes were cast in 60 polling centres,” he said.
Meanwhile, Safikul alleged that the presiding officers of numerous polling centres did not pick up the calls despite calling them up during the incident.
Refuting the allegations, Awal said they were brought against him with political motivations.
Earlier on Monday, the Election Commission declared that re-polling on the eight suspended constituencies, including Lakshmipur-1, will be held on January 16.
