Polls to all 49 UPs in Rangamati deferred
2nd phase of elections tomorrow
STAFF REPORTER
The Election Commission yesterday changed the poll schedule for all 49 union parishads (UPs) in 10 upazilas of Rangamati from the third phase to the sixth, as the main political parties failed to nominate candidates. The changed schedule will ensure participation by all political parties, EC sources said. The commission also changed the schedule for four unions in Alikadam upazila of Bandarban district, where elections were to be held in the third phase, as there are mistakes in the voter list. They will now be held in the sixth phase. The unions are Alikadam, Chaikhang, Kuruppata and Nayapara. Campaigning for the second phase of polling in 643 union parishads (UPs) ended at midnight on Tuesday. The candidates and their supporters made the final dash to reach out to voters. The polls are on March 31. As per the electoral code of conduct, campaigning ends 32 hours before polling. No one can even intimidate any voter or person connected with the polling. Its an offence punishable by a maximum of six years imprisonment or a fine Tk. 10,000 or both. The elections are being held under the party banner. Seventeen registered political parties out of 40 have nominated candidates for the posts of chairman. The Awami League has 642 chairman candidates and the BNP 564. Thirty-one Awami League candidates have already been elected unopposed. Around 95 lakh voters will cast their ballots. Election Commission (EC) sources said it has sent necessary election materials to 47 districts to hold the polls. Presiding officers will carry the materials to the respective election centres before the polling date. Plying of motorbikes in election areas has been banned since Monday midnight. The plying of other vehicles will be restricted 32 hours before the election. Law enforces and judicial magistrates were deployed yesterday to maintain law and order.
