UZ Polls: Voter turnout to increase in 2nd phase: Commissioner

UZ Polls: Voter turnout to increase in 2nd phase: Commissioner

Dhaka, May 16 - EC commissioner Brig Gen (Retd) Md Ahsan Habib Khan on Thursday said that the turnout of voters will increase in the second phase of upazila parishad election.

He said it is true that in the first phase of upazila polls voter turnout was 36 per cent. I think it was not that much low and there were some reasons for low turnout as extreme heat wave, crop harvesting time and possible reluctance of voters.

Habib said in future the electoral system will be accepted by world as a role model.

He made the remarks while briefing journalists after a view exchange programme with Jashore, Magura and Narail districts returning, assistant returning officers, law enforcement  agencies, election related officials ahead of second and third phase upazila parishad elections held at Jessore Shilpokala Academy auditorium.

The EC commissioner said if any candidate tries to create violence or any disturbance in the elections, the commission will not delay to take any action.

“The electoral environment is good as the candidates can easily reach the voters. All credit goes to EC for making such favourable atmosphere. Last parliamentary election and the first phase of upazila election were held in a free, fair and neutral manner”, he said.

Habib said this commission has enacted laws for the protection of journalists. If anyone makes hindrance for journalist in discharging their duties by carrying out attacks on them and breaking their camera, the EC will punish them.

Replying a query, the commissioner said MP’s would be allowed for casting their votes only, not for making campaign in favour of any candidate.

Jashore Deputy Commissioner  Md Abraul Hasan Mazumder, Superintend of Police (SP) Proloy Kumar Zoardar, and election official  Anisur Rahman were present.-UNB