Voting successful except for sporadic incidents, says Election Commission

The Election Commission has described Monday’s voting in the first phase of the Union Parishad (UP) polls, elections in two municipalities, and the by-polls for Lakshmipur 2 seat as successful amid the pandemic.

Speaking to the media after the polls closed, EC Secretary Md Humayun Kabir Khandaker said the voting was largely peaceful with “sporadic incidents”

Two people were killed in Bhola and Barisal, he said before adding: “The deaths occurred during clashes between supporters of candidates. Details will be known after an investigation. It will be reviewed to prevent such incidents in the future."

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On Monday, the by-election to Lakshmipur 2 constituency, regular polls to 204 UPs and two municipalities began at 8am and continued till 4pm.

The Election Commission secretary said the commission monitored the voting and took action accordingly.

During the polls, a man was shot dead in clashes between supporters of two candidates in the elections to Hajariganj Union Parishad in Bhola’s Charfashion upazila.

Aslo Read- Man shot dead in election violence in Bhola

Meanwhile, another man was killed and at least two others were injured in a clash between the supporters of two candidates during the election to Khanzapur Union Parishad in Barisal’s Gournadi upazila

When asked about when the remaining 183 UP polls will be held, the EC official replied: “It is not possible to say when these remaining UP polls would take place. We will announce the dates at the next commission meeting.”