As nation awaits complete results, slow announcement cause confusion, frustration
"When people across the country are casting their votes quickly, they will also want the results quickly," said BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman.
Confusion and frustration rose among citizens due to the slow and delayed announcement of official results of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum, with late-night allegations from parties.
The results continued to trickle in even twelve hours after voting ended on Thursday (12 February).
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman urged the Election Commission to release results promptly, warning that delays could fuel negative perceptions.
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"When people across the country are casting their votes quickly, they will also want the results quickly," he said, adding that reports of irregularities could undermine public confidence, reports The Daily Star.
Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman highlighted the importance of fairness in the process.
"If the election is conducted fairly, his party is willing to accept the results, whatever they are… others must also accept the outcome," he said, stressing the need for credibility in official announcements.
On the other hand, NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud alleged intentional delays in declaring results.
"In centres where our candidates are leading, counting ended around 7pm, but returning officers held back the results until midnight. This appears to be an attempt to create an 'artificial narrative' and mislead people through the media," he said.
"NCP will support whoever comes to power through a fair election. But if a government is formed through fraud, it will create a crisis of confidence," he added.
While parties have called for transparency, the delayed results created what they are calling a "hide and seek" atmosphere, with unofficial tallies circulating but awaiting verification from the Election Commission.
Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin said results from over 42,000 polling centres are received gradually and added cumulatively.
"No unofficial or unverified results will be accepted by the Election Commission. Only results signed by the returning officers and officially received will be published," he said at a post-election briefing at 10pm Thursday.
The Election Commission continues collecting and cross-checking votes from polling centres and postal ballots, before declaring official constituency outcomes.
Voters and parties alike are now awaiting the release of consolidated, verified results, which are expected to be released gradually by this morning.
