EC to set up 42,761 polling stations, 244,649 booths for upcoming polls
Of these booths, 115,037 are for men and 129,602 for women.
The Election Commission (EC) has designated a total of 42,761 polling stations across the country, with the number of polling booths at these stations standing at 244,649, for the upcoming general election.
Of these booths, 115,037 are for men and 129,602 for women, Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told reporters today (27 October).
"We have finalised the list of polling stations today. Across 300 constituencies in 64 districts, there will be 42,761 polling stations," he added.
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He added that there are initially 14 temporary polling stations, which will have around 12,000 booths.
"Each polling station will have about 3,000 voters. This has been treated as a 'catchment area' and may be adjusted later if needed," he said.
Political party registration
In response to questions about the registration of political parties and observer organisations, the EC secretary said the commission is slightly behind schedule on these two matters.
"We have initially considered 22 political parties eligible and collected additional field information on them. Inshallah, we will be able to complete this within the week."
He added that there is nothing to worry about, expressing hope that everything can be done in the remaining time.
Regarding observers, the official said, "Reviews of domestic observer organisations are underway. In some areas, journalists have helped us fill information gaps, and we thank you for that. Hopefully, the registration of observers will also be completed within this week."
Single symbol proposal for BNP-led alliance
In response to questions about a BNP-led alliance using a single electoral symbol, Akhtar said, "The commission's position on this is clear: when symbols are allocated, the list of eligible political parties and a notification on symbols will be published. The matter is currently with the law ministry; the commission will decide later."
On questions about the Shapla (water lily) symbol, which the National Citizen Party wants, he said, "The commission has already stated its position. No alternative proposal has been submitted so far, and our earlier stance remains unchanged."
Dialogue with political parties before RPO amendment
About consultations with political parties before amending the Representation of the People Order (RPO), he said, "The commission has held extensive discussions with political parties. No conflicts have been observed so far, so it would be inappropriate to make speculative remarks."
He continued, "The commission has considered the RPO proposals from five perspectives: those deemed transparent and acceptable, those requiring minor linguistic or numerical adjustments, those that cannot be done without political consensus, those adequately covered by existing law, and those amendable at the commission's discretion.
"Based on these five perspectives, the proposals were sent to the advisory council, which gave its policy approval."
Referendum
On questions about a possible referendum, the secretary said no information regarding any referendum has formally reached the Election Commission, "so no speculative comments should be made."
I cannot comment on matters that have not officially come to the commission," he added.
Cocktail explosion
Regarding a recent crude bomb explosion outside Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon, Dhaka, Akhtar said, "It was undoubtedly an unwanted incident. The police have taken immediate action and arrested the person involved.
"They have filed a case and are investigating. The commission is focusing on its responsibilities."
Election preparation
When asked about the progress of election preparations, the secretary said, "In percentage terms, we are currently 90–95% ready."
Once the registration of political parties and observer organisations is completed this week, preparations will reach 100%, he added.
On demands to reconstitute the Election Commission, Akhtar said, "I have no comment on this. Political matters are beyond the commission's jurisdiction."
He went on to say, "We are working within our constitutional responsibilities. If everyone cooperates, it will be possible to successfully complete the election within the scheduled time."
