Comilla vote: Sima satisfied, Sakku objects

While Awami League candidate Anjum Sultana Sima is satisfied with the conduct of Comilla City Corporation polls, incumbent mayor and BNP candidate Monirul Haque Sakku has raised allegations of 'illegal activity' at several polling centres.

Voting began peacefully at 103 polling centres on Thursday and long lines were found there .

Awami League candidate Sima came to cast her vote at the Comilla Modern School at 8:50 am. She expressed satisfaction regarding the conduct of the polls.

“I went to visit several polling centres this morning. The atmosphere seemed normal. We hope it will remain so throughout the day.”

“I have told our activists and victories and defeats are part of the game,” she told journalists. “I will accept the decision of the people, as will my opponents.”

The candidate also said she was elated at the number of women in the polling stations and called on everyone to cast their votes without fear.

Sakku, who has held the position of mayor for the past five years, has been fielded again by the BNP. He cast his own vote at the Hoccha Miah Government High School at 9:25 am.

“At one centre the ballots have been sealed previously,” he told reporters. “BNP activists and polling agents have not been allowed to enter two others. We have complained to the Returning Official “

Voting in the first hour of the election has not been fair, he said.

“I have gone to several polling centres. The election has not, so far, been conducted fairly.”

Asked whether he would boycott the election results,  the Sadar South BNP joint secretary general said, “Why would I stand aside? I will wait for the result.”

Over 200,000 voters will elect their representatives in the City Corporation elections. The polls are seen as a test for the new Nurul Huda-led Election Commission.