Comilla election proves people's interest in voting has increased: Observers

Comilla City Corporation Election Monitoring Forum Chairman Prof. Mohammad Abed Ali said that it is proved through Comilla City Corporation elections that people's interest in voting has increased.

He made the remarks while inspecting the Hochhamia High School polling station in Comilla Adarsha Sadar area on Wednesday (June 15).

Professor Abed Ali said, "We have started observation from 9 am." Our five organizations have observed 40 polling stations. We estimate that 30 to 35 percent of the vote was cast by noon. If this continues and the weather is good, the vote cast will increase. The biggest thing was that the voter turnout was noticeable in every center. Their presence was joyful. Many have waited for two to three hours to cast their votes. It is understood that the interest of the voters towards voting has increased. This is a very positive thing. The voters were very sincere. However, there have been allegations of slow voting in EVMs at various centers. The voters are suffering. There are two reasons why voting may be slow.

First, voters may not be familiar with EVMs. Second, the pre-poll campaign that was needed was not enough. Ordinary voters have not been familiar with EVMs before. Many have had to try two or three times to cast their vote.

"We did not notice any disturbance," he added. We have not received any allegations of obstruction of voter turnout.

Prof. Dr. Abul Kalam Azad, Vice President, Election Monitoring Forum, Mizanur Rahman Majumder, Director, SAARC Human Rights Foundation and other observers were present on the occasion.

It may be mentioned that 149 candidates are contesting in 27 general and 9 reserved women's wards including 5 mayoral candidates in Comilla City Corporation election. The total number of voters is 2 lakh 29 thousand 920 people.