2nd phase UZ polls peaceful, claims EC secretary

Election commission secretary Helaluddin Ahmed on Monday said the second phase of the countrywide upazila election in 116 upazila parishad was held in a peaceful and neutral manner, reports UNB.

"The voting in the second phase was held in a free, fair and peaceful manner," he told a post-election briefing at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city.

The balloting to 116 upazila parishads was held from 8:00am to 4:00pm on Monday.

Out of 7,039 polling stations in 116 upazila parishads, the balloting of eight polling stations was suspended, said the EC secretary adding that the commission received no information of irregularity from other polling stations.

The turnout of voters in the second phase might be higher than 43 percent of the first-phase election held on 10 March, he said.

"We've received information that turnout of voters was high in most places," said Helaluddin.

About the remarks election commissioner Mahbub Talukder made on Monday, the EC secretary said it was his personal opinion.

"He (Mahbub Talukder) unilaterally delivered this statement. It was not discussed in the commission (meeting). It's his personal view," Helaluddin said.

Mahbub Talukder at a press conference on Monday said it is essential to reform the election system for making the polls meaningful and democracy uninterrupted.

He, however, said it is not EC's job to reform the electoral system rather it is a matter of political decision.

The election commission also questioned whether the candidates elected unopposed in the ongoing upazila election are elected or selected.

"I think the election means choosing one from more than one contestant. How can it be election which is not competitive one? Can the uncontested ones be called selected not calling them elected?" Mahbub Talukder said.