The polls to some 204 Union Parishads (UPs) were held peacefully on Monday. Elections to the Union Parishads (UPs) across the country will be completed this year in phases.
Of the about 4,500 Union Parishads, more than 4,300 are eligible for the polls this year. Of them, balloting in a total of 204 UPs in the country were held in the first phase on Monday. However, by-elections to Lakshmipur-2 constituency and elections to two municipalities-- Setabganj of Dinajpur and Jhalakathi municipality—were also held on the day.
The Election Commission (EC) had fixed the date for holding polls in 367 UPs on April 11 in the first phase. But due to the rise in the Covid-19 infections, all types of elections were postponed. Later on June 2, the EC made fresh announcement to hold the first phase of UP polls on June 21. Then, the EC postponed polls to 163 UPs out of 367. Finally voting took place in the rest 204 UPs.
The voting started from 8:00am and continued to 4:00pm without break. Voters’ presence was remarkable. Our correspondents from various districts and upazilas sent updates of the polls.
In Barishal: Elections to 163 unions were held in Barishal division as per the schedule. Chairman candidates in 26 unions were elected uncontested. So, elections to the member posts in those unions were held.
Our Barishal Correspondent reports that the balloting in 50 UPs in Barishal district were held in peaceful manner. However, no untoward incident was reported until filing this report.
In Gazipur: The voting in six UPs of Kaliganj upazila in the district was held peacefully.
Our Gazipur Correspondent reports that long queues of voters were seen outside many polling stations since the morning.
In Jhalkathi: Elections to 31 unions were held in Jhalakathi district. Despite the rough weather with mild rain, the voting process was smooth and peaceful in all 313 voting centers.
EVM voting process was introduced to 5 unions including Jhalakathi municipality. Due to rainy weather, the overall voter count was less than normal.
In Bhola: The election process was held peacefully in Bhola. Sporadic agitations were reported among locals in some areas. Police said that voting process was not altered by this incident.