The Election Commission is set to hold re-polling today in 37 centres of 33 union councils where elections were suspended because of irregularities and re-elections to 80 positions of chairmen and members in unions where the results were tied.
The commission in the second phase held elections to 3,813 union councils in a staggered manner between May 31 and July 5. The commission earlier held elections to 553 union councils from March 29 to April 3.
The snatching of ballot boxes and papers, occupation of polling stations, destruction of result sheets and other irregularities prompted the presiding officers as well as the Election Commission to suspend elections in 38 polling centres.
The commission is, however, not holding re-polling in another centre, Kulancho at Dirai in Sunamganj, because of inundation of the area by floodwater.
Results of elections to 26 positions of union council chairmen, 32 of members reserved for women and 28 of general members were tied as two contenders polled equal number of votes.
According to the Local Government (Union Parishad) Election Rules 2010, the commission will hold re-elections for the posts between the two contenders securing maximum and equal votes.
This is for the first time re-elections are taking place between the two rival candidates who polled equal number of votes. In the past, such decisions were made by drawing a lottery.
Election commissioner Muhammed Sohul Hussain told New Age that the commission had made necessary preparations for the re-polling.
'In response to requests of the candidates, we have suspended polling in Kulancho union council at Dirai in Sunamganj as the area has been inundated,' Sohul said.
Source : New Age
