No cause for alarm over election, says EC secretary

The Election Commission reports over 32 percent turnout by noon

The Election Commission (EC) has said there is no alarming situation in the Feb 12 election and referendum, even as scattered incidents surface outside polling centres.

At a briefing at the Nirbachan Bhaban after 1pm, EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said isolated disruptions had been contained by local authorities and none had forced a suspension.

“All centres are running,” he said, adding that incidents were largely beyond the perimeter of polling stations and “swiftly” intercepted.

By 12pm, turnout had reached 32.88 percent across 32,789 centres out of 42,651 nationwide. Data was gathered between 7:30am and noon.

Akhter said the commission has shifted its data-collection method, now sourcing figures from assistant returning officers instead of presiding officers, who are busy managing voter flow.

The procedural tweak explains the longer lead time for the first briefing, he said, promising another update.

Asked about a viral clip from Cumilla-14 allegedly showing proxy voting -- including claims of women casting ballots for others and groups voting together -- he urged journalists to share details with the press section.

If verified, he said, it would be “condemnable” and prompt immediate action.

On whether the commission is satisfied with the conduct of the ballot, Akhter deflected the optics back to voters.

Satisfaction, he suggested, rests with the public.

The commission wants a “stronger turnout” and thanked citizens for what he described as visible enthusiasm.

The secretary urged those yet to cast ballots to do so and help make the exercise a success.