EC summons lawmaker over casting vote openly

The Election Commission (EC) has summoned Awami League MP for Barishal 6 Abdul Hafiz (Mallik) for casting his vote openly.

The EC asked him to explain this by turning up at the Nirbachon Bhavan in person at 12pm on May 15.

According to the EC letter addressed to the lawmaker, Mr Mallik openly cast his vote at the 47 No Mangalsi Government Primary School voting centre during the elections to the Bakerganj Upazila Parishad on May 8, which part of the first phase of the upazila elections. Later, multiple media outlets published reports – as well as photos and videos – of his open voting.

Noting that Under the Upazila Parishad elections rules, it is a punishable offense to openly cast one’s vote, the EC asked to explain why Mr Mallik should not be sued for his offense and the Speaker not notified for taking systematic action against him.

Gazipur’s Sreepur Chairman Candidate Also Summoned

The EC has also summoned Gazipur’s Sreepur Upazila election candidate Jamil Hasan asking why his candidature should not be cancelled for continuing to violate election conduct despite having previously served a show-cause notice. He was also asked to ensure his in-person presence at the Nirbachan Bhavan on the morning of May 15 to explain the issue.

The election for Sreepur Upazila is scheduled to be held on May 21 in the second phase of the upazila elections.