Gaibandha-5 by-polls ended peacefully: CEC

Voting in the Gaibandha-5 by-polls ended on Wednesday without any irregularity or mayhem, Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal has said even though the voter turnout was only around 35%.

The voting had to be re-run as the Election Commission halted the first by-polls on 12 October citing irregularities. The constituency fell vacant at the demise of Jatiya Sangsad deputy speaker Md Fazle Rabbi Miah on 22 July.

A severe cold snap was a factor behind low voter presence in the Wednesday re-run of the by-polls but proper use of CCTV cameras at polling centres as well as responsible behavior of the candidates, voters, presiding officers, law enforcers and others ensured no fraud and untoward incident took place, the chief election commissioner said.

"This time, both the beginning and ending experiences of the 8.30am-4.30pm voting period were splendid. Overall, it was a peaceful and orderly process. None of the voters complained of facing any difficulty."

None had to wait for a long time to cast their vote and the electronic voting machines also functioned smoothly without causing delays, Habibul Awal added.

The turnout was more or less than 35% and the exact figure will be determined later.

Habibul Awal lauded CCTV cameras for ensuring transparency by working alongside electronic voting machines. He also credited the district administration, election officers and law enforcers for working professionally and neutrally. The lessons of Gaibandha-5 by-polls can help enrich general election planning and management processes, Habibul Awal observed.

The election commission brought allegations against over a hundred government officers for manipulative practices during the now-cancelled 12 October by-polls and sent letters to relevant ministries and departments urging penalties.

The election commission has not received any reply over the actions taken against the accused, but would keep pursuing the issue and update the media on developments, Habibul Awal concluded.