For the upcoming Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) polls, authorities have held a mock election as Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be used in all 30 wards for the first time.
The local voters displayed great enthusiasm in taking part in the mock elections.
Returning Officer and Regional Election Officer Delwar Hossain allocated symbols to candidates at Rajshahi's Shilpakala Academy Auditorium on Friday, and locals were taught about EVMs in two booths outside the venue.
Rajshahi City Election Assistant Officer Md Emdadul Haque was in charge of a booth for this mock vote.
He said that voting through EVMs in city corporation elections is very simple. “But as the process is new, it can be intimidating for many.”
Biplab Ali, a new voter who took part in this mock vote, said that there were some concerns about the new system. “But the method is very simple. Anyone can learn by watching.”
Rajshahi metropolitan unit Awami League Joint General Secretary Md Ahsanul Haque Pintu said people are curious about any new subject.
“General voters will also vote for the first time in Rajshahi city elections. Along with the election office, they are also campaigning for the method. Voters have nothing to fear about. It is a very simple process,” he added.
The RCC polls will be conducted through EVMs on June 21 at 1,173 booths in 152 centres.
The number of voters in this city corporation is 352,157, with 171,185 of them being men and 180,972 being women.
