The Election Commission (EC) has warned of stern action against any kind of irregularity during the Upazila Elections.
In the first of five phases of voting, 78 Upazilas will go to the polls on Sunday.
The EC said it will take “immediate action” against officials, including law enforcement, 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 balloting will be halted immediately,” EC
Additional Secretary Mokhlesur Rahman told a media call on Saturday, reports Bangla Tribune.
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 existing conditions there would not allow free and fair voting.
The EC announced a schedule for voting in 87 Upazilas in the first phase, but balloting will be held at only 78 Upazilas on Sunday, said the EC additional secretary.
“Voting was halted in three upazilas on the court’s order, another three were halted by the EC, while no balloting is required in three other Upazilas as there are only single candidates,” he said.
On Wednesday, the EC made similar warnings against irregularities, issuing special directives to deputy commissioners (DCs) and superintendents of police (SP), asking them to keep the upcoming 5th Upazila Parishad elections free of all kinds of influence.
The directive, signed by EC Joint Secretary Farhad Ahmmad Khan, reads: “The EC is committed to hold the upcoming Upazila Parishad polls in a free, fair, and peaceful manner. But it believes that holding of fair elections in the country is impossible without the help of the field-level administrations. All concerned administrations are requested to be aware in this regard.
“The EC does not expect negligence of electoral duties from anyone. It hopes that local administrations, police, and other law enforcement agencies will perform their duties sincerely.”
The EC urged district administrations and the law enforcement agencies concerned, to ensure security so that all candidates can enjoy equal rights, and voters can exercise their franchise safely.
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