36.1% votes cast in first phase upazila polls: EC Alamgir
Highest 73.16% votes cast in Khetlal upazila of Joypurhat, lowest 17% votes in Bogura’s Sonatala
The average turnout of voters in the first phase of the 6th upazila parishad polls was 36.1%, Election Commissioner Md Alamgir has said.
The elections took place in 139 upazilas on Wednesday.
Briefing reporters at the Election Commission (EC) office in the capital's Agargaon today (9 May), EC Alamgir attributed the low turnout to various reasons, including the absence of a large political party in the polls, lack of popular candidates, ongoing paddy harvesting in haor areas and rain in many places.
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"Paddy harvesting season is ongoing. People, especially in the haor areas, are currently busy in harvesting boro paddy," he said.
The commission was earlier informed by the field administration of these regions that due to the ongoing paddy harvesting, there may be low voter turnout in these areas, added EC Alamgir.
In Gazipur, where a majority of voters are factory workers, the voter turnout was low. Workers in urban areas tend to leave for their village homes when they have a holiday, he said.
In addition, many areas of the country experienced rain and storms in the last few days, contributing to the low voter turnout, he said.
"Also, the low turnout was due to the absence of a large political party in the polls," he added.
EC Alamgir further said the voter turnout also depends on the popularity of candidates. "In some areas, the voter turnout was 73%. On the contrary, the turnout was 17% in some upazilas."
Responding to a question from journalists, he said the commission was determined to prevent any irregularities in the upazila polls. The voting was fair because of cooperation from everyone.
Meanwhile, a case has been filed against those who tried to cast fake votes in the polls, he added.
Of the 139 upazilas, the highest 73.16% votes were cast in Khetlal upazila of Joypurhat, while the lowest 17% votes were cast in Bogura's Sonatala upazila.
In the 22 upazilas where electronic voting machines were used, the voter turnout was 31.31%, while the rest used ballot papers.
