Staff Reporter :
Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmed has said that the city corporation election was free and fair except some sporadic incidents and thanked all for helping him holding a ‘free, fair and peaceful election’.
“There was no situation to deploy army. I have seen in the media that the election was held amid enthusiasm. I did not see any irregularities. I personally visited several vote centres in the capital, including Dhanmondi, and talked to the voters. None complained,” CEC said this to journalists in a press briefing at Election Commission Secretariat in the capital’s Agargaon on Tuesday.
Expressing satisfaction, he said, “The foreign observers and diplomats are also satisfied over the election. I thank all for helping me hold the election amid festivity. The CEC read out a written statement and replied to volley of questions from the reporters.
Urging all parties to accept the polls result, the CEC said, “I do request all to accept the result and uphold the ongoing democratic process. None faced any threats on their way to cast votes. However, some unwanted incidents took place at a few places. Now, the vote-counting is underway.”
Replying to question, he said, “No agent or voter complained of any irregularities. We have stopped voting in some polling centres for untoward incidents. We will arrange voting in those centres again. Exemplary action will be taken against them who were involved in violence.”
The CEC said that the voting was carried out without any untoward situation. “The voters told me that they had cast their votes without any hindrance.”
About interrupting media to cover election, the CEC said, “Who obstructed you [journalists]? Give me their names and addresses. We will take stern action against them.
When asked why the army was not deployed even after complaint of violence and vote rigging, he said, ” If the concerned authorities say the situation is out of their control, then the army will be called.
