Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal on Saturday urged the voters to cast their valuable votes freely with enthusiasm in the Sunday’s general election.
“I call upon all the honorable voters once again to come to the polling station with enthusiasm and festivity in the long awaited general election of the National Parliament tomorrow and exercise your valuable voting right freely to discharge your civic responsibility in forming the Parliament and the government,” he said in a televised address to the nation on Saturday night.
He said all types of vehicles other than motorcycles, microbuses, taxicabs and trucks will be open to facilitate the movement of voters to the polling stations. “The vote is yours. Do not be misled by anyone's interference or instigation in voting,” he said pointing at the voters.
In his speech, the CEC said political participation and competition is not happening at desired level in this election due to disagreements on the question of the institutional procedure of the election. “Electoral universality has not been at expected level,” he said.
He, however, said 28 parties are participating in the elections. A total of 1971 (exactly 1969) candidates are contesting in 299 seats. “So, the election cannot be termed as uncontested and non-participatory,” said Habibul Awal.
He said the election campaign ended with excitement and enthusiasm in a festive atmosphere. All participating candidates and voters in general must follow the election rules, he added.
The CEC asked all the officials engaged in election duties to carry out the duties with honesty and devotion. “Negligence, laxity, dishonesty and deviation in performing duty will not be tolerated,” he said.
He said stuffing fake votes, vote-rigging, ballot- snatching, use of money and muscle power by any candidate or on behalf of a candidate will be strictly discouraged.
“The candidature will be cancelled immediately if evidence is found. If necessary, the polling of centers or constituencies will be stopped altogether,” he said calling upon the people to be united and resist all kinds of election irregularities.
Noting that a favourable political environment is required for a free, fair, participatory and celebratory election, he said there is no denying that there is difference in opinion among the political leadership on the question of election.
Her said conflict and violence from differences are not expected. But it cannot be said that vandalism and violence are not happening at all. People are being injured and killed alongside the damage of public assets, he added.
A permanent solution and end to this ongoing situation is needed. The political leadership will have to take initiative sincerely in this regard.
“We always believe that any political crisis can be resolved through negotiation and constructive dialogue,” he said.
The CEC said incidents of violence and vandalism are becoming visible amid the declared hartal blockade. Trains, vehicles, polling stations were set on fire. “We don't consider who are responsible. However, we are concerned about some recent incidents of vandalism and violence,” he said.
Habibul Awal again requested the voters to come to the polling stations in a festive atmosphere overcoming all worries, anxieties and uneasiness and freely exercise their voting right in the election.
“We believe that the upcoming 12th National Parliamentary elections will be free, impartial, participatory and peaceful through the responsible behavior of all concerned from their respective positions,” he said.
The CEC hoped that the election would be admired and credible at home and abroad and the desired continuation of Parliament, Government and Constitution will remain would be intact.