DHAKA: Election Commission Secretary Helal Uddin Ahmed said the percentage is not the matter as the fact is whether the election was peaceful.

The 3rd phase of the 5th upazila parishad elections to 117 upazilas under 25 districts were held on Sunday (March 24).

EC Secretary came up with the statement regarding the polls before   media at the Media Centre of Nirbachan Bhaban in Dhaka on Sunday (March 24).   

Asked about percentage of voting, EC Secretary told reporters that many parties did not participate in the elections. He gave percentage of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd phase of the 5th UP polls.

They are as follows: 43% in the 1st phase, 45% in the 2nd phase adding Rangamati zone and in the 3rd phase I think it would be 40-45%.

Helal Uddin said, “A political alliance did not participate in election. They did not come to cast votes. On the other hand, there is a campaign for voters not coming to the polling stations. You need to consider these issues.”

He also said "There is no law in our country compelling a specific percentage of votes to be cast or a specific percentage required for acceptance."

Polling to 14 centers was stopped and Katiadi upazila polls were   suspended over irregularities.

This time, UP polls is being held in five phases at 492 upazilas.

The 1st phase of the 5th UP polls to 78 upazilas was held on March 10.

And, 2nd phase of the 5th UP elections to 116 upazilas under 15 districts held March 18.

BDST:  2154 HRS, MAR 24, 2019

AH/SMS