Voter turnout to increase in second phase of upazila polls: Commissioner Ahsan Habib

EC commissioner Brig Gen Md Ahsan Habib Khan (Retd) on Thursday said that the turnout of voters will increase in the second phase of upazila parishad election.

He said it is true that in the first phase of upazila polls voter turnout was 36 per cent. I think, it was not that much low and there were some reasons for the low turnout as extreme heatwave, crop harvesting time and possible reluctance of voters.

Habib said in future the electoral system will be accepted by world as a role model.

He made the remarks while briefing journalists after a view exchange programme with Jashore, Magura and Narail districts returning, assistant returning officers, law enforcement agencies, election-related officials ahead of the second and third phase upazila parishad elections held at Jessore Shilpokala Academy auditorium.

The EC commissioner said if any candidate tries to create violence or any disturbance in the elections, the commission will not delay in taking any action.

“The electoral environment is good as the candidates can easily reach the voters. All credit goes to EC for making such favourable atmosphere. Last parliamentary election and the first phase of upazila election were held in a free, fair and neutral manner,” he said.

Habib said this commission has enacted laws for the protection of journalists. If anyone makes hindrance for journalist in discharge of their duties by carrying out attacks on them and breaking their camera, the EC will punish them.

Replying a query, the commissioner said MP’s would be allowed for casting their votes only, not for making campaign in favour of any candidate.

Jashore Deputy Commissioner Md Abraul Hasan Mazumder, Superintend of Police (SP) Proloy Kumar Zoardar, election official  Anisur Rahman and others were present.