Bangladesh will hold its 13th national parliamentary election alongside a referendum in 299 constituencies on February 12, the Election Commission (EC) has said.
Voting will take place from 7:30am to 4:30pm, according to the commission. However, voters who are present in queues at polling centres after the scheduled closing time will be allowed to cast their ballots.
Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah said extensive measures have been taken to ensure a free, fair and festive voting environment across the country. Around 958,000 members of law enforcement agencies will be deployed nationwide to maintain order during the polls, he added.
More than 90% of polling centres will be brought under CCTV surveillance, the commissioner said, noting that drones and body-worn cameras may also be used if necessary.
He further said voter slips will contain either the name or symbol of candidates. Calling for cooperation from all stakeholders, the commissioner urged voters to cast their ballots in a peaceful and orderly manner.
According to the Election Commission, votes for both the parliamentary election and the referendum will be counted simultaneously, and the official results will be announced together. Updates on the counting process will be provided at two-hour intervals.
The result of the referendum will be determined based on votes cast nationwide. Expressing optimism, Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah said the commission expects a strong voter turnout and a credible electoral process.
