CEC estimates 40 percent turnout in polls: ‘It may vary’

Chief Election Commission (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal.

Dhaka, Jan 07 - Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal claimed that Sunday's national election has been free, fair and neutral thanks to the government's political will, sincerity and cooperation.

“Since the government has sincerity…..and we received the assistance as assured by the government, the election was held in free, fair and neutral manner through a coordinated effort under the partisan government,” he said.

The CEC made the remarks at a post-polls press briefing at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city.

He said though there is some challenge to hold election under a partisan government as the political will of the government is needed to make the polls free, fair and non-partisan.

The CEC said the voter turnout might be some 40 percent in the 12th Parliamentary election.

“Some 40 percent voters cast their vote in today's balloting. But it may vary after gleaning all data in this regard (the final estimation),” he said.

In reply to a question, Habibul Awal said it can't be said right now if this election would be credible nationally and internationally.

“Whether this election would be credible nationally and internationally may be known later after the publishing its results. You people would judge it,” he said. - UNB