Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad yesterday said the election to Rangpur City Corporation is a test for the Election Commission (EC) to prove its capability for holding the next polls in a credible manner, reports UNB.

Talking to reporters after casting his vote at Senpara Tojammel Hossain Memorial Shishu Mongol Government Primary School centre in Rangpur around 9am, he hoped that his party's mayoral candidate will win the polls with a big margin.

"It's a test for the Election commission, and they must come out successful in it by holding the polls in a free, fair and neutral manner. We hope the polls will be fair," he said.

Ershad, also the Prime Minister's special envoy, said the Rangpur election is being held peacefully and fairly, and it will have an impact on the next general election. “I’ve seen huge enthusiasm among people, and there’s no reason to be worried about the polls. I think a revolution will take place in favour of ‘Plough’ (his party’s election symbol) and my candidate will win it with a margin of over one lakh votes.”

Outgoing mayor Sarfuddin Ahmed is contesting the election to retain his mayoral position with Awami League ticket while KausarZaman Babla and Mostafizur Rahman Mostafa with BNP and Jatiya Party tickets respectively. Seven candidates are vying for the mayoral post, while 211 candidates for ward councillors and 65 female candidates for reserved councilors.