Bangladesh Municipality Elections starts today

The first phase of voting in twenty-four municipalities started today. Anika Khan reports.

• 23 districts in Bangladesh are currently holding their municipalities’ elections. Voters from these districts will be electing a mayor, three councilors, and nine general councilors for each of the 24 municipalities.  
• The Election Commission (EC) has decided to conduct the polls in four phases due to the ongoing pandemic. The first phase has started today. It will continue till 4 in the evening through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
• The EC has ensured the safety and maintenance of law and order throughout the election process.
• Last month, the EC announced the election schedule for 25 municipalities. However, the sudden demise of the BNP mayoral candidate has led the election for Sreepur municipality of Gazipur to be postponed to next month.
• From the morning enthusiastic voters are seen queuing for casting votes.
• More than 6 lakh voters are expected to cast their votes at the 24 municipalities in 22 districts around Bangladesh.
• The battle of the ballot is expected to be held between the two major political parties of this country_ the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Other candidates from Jatiya Party and Islami Andolon Bangladesh are also contesting in this election.

After the first phase is over, the second phase will take on January 16 for 61 municipalities. As per schedule vote for 64 other municipalities will take place in the 3rd phase on 30 January.