Key Highlights:
- Voting took place in 299 seats out of a total of 300
- The voting window was scheduled from 8 am to 4 pm on Sunday
- By 3 pm, the voter turnout stood at 27.15 percent
- Nearly 58.74 million female voters, and 848 transgender voters
- Within these 299 constituencies, the voter count exceeded 119.32 million, over 60.5 million male voters.
Today, (January 7) the people are in a festive mood to cast ballots in the 12th National Elections, and just like every other citizen, the Awami League President Sheikh Hasina also cast her vote early this morning.
Awami League President, Sheikh Hasina went to her Polling Station at City College along with her other family members a few minutes before 8.00 am.
After casting her vote, Awami League President, Sheikh Hasina affirms her stance for a free, fair, and credible election, stating that
“We have returned people’s voting rights back to them, and today the citizens have achieved that voting right. They will be able to fairly apply that right. And this election will be free and neutral. Which means, I will cast my own vote to whoever I prefer. For this, the citizens may vote for whoever they want but all we want is the election to be held fairly.”
Addressing the nation, Hasina underscored the profound significance of the ongoing election and stressed the urgent need for citizen engagement. She highlighted the importance of citizens’ awareness and caution regarding their voting rights, echoing the nation’s determination to exercise this fundamental right freely after a five-year hiatus.
Expressing optimism and confidence in winning the election, Sheikh Hasina flashed a victory sign, underlining her faith in the people’s support and the nation’s trajectory towards progress and democracy.
The election will be fair and unbiased. I seek all kinds of cooperation from the people to ensure a proper election process. Referring to the BNP as a terrorist party, Sheikh Hasina said, “They (BNP) do not trust elections. Hence, they resort to vote rigging and snatching; that’s their character.” In 2008, the BNP only secured 30 seats out of 300 in the election, while the Awami League independently secured 233 seats. Since then, the BNP has been against elections. Playing with people’s rights is their nature.”
Election cannot be impeded by obstruction
After casting the vote, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader criticized the BNP’s efforts to disrupt the election, emphasizing that obstruction cannot halt the electoral process.
Addressing reporters after casting his vote at the Udayan Pre-Cadet Academy near his residence in Bara Rajapur, Noakhali on Sunday morning, Quader stated,
“The anti-election movement has failed. Even attempts to disrupt by burning trains won’t thwart the electoral process. Elections cannot be halted by obstruction.”
Each step taken toward the polling booths resonates with the echoes of democracy’s triumph. The determination etched on the faces of voters transcends the wintry conditions, symbolizing their unwavering faith in the democratic process.
The very soul of democracy resides in its electoral process. Amidst prevailing skepticism, doubts lingered regarding the inclusivity, freedom, and fairness of the impending elections. However, what unfolds before our eyes today resonates with the essence of democracy.
Foreign Observers Extol Free, Fair Voting
The ongoing national election has attracted significant global attention, drawing 156 international observers from 34 countries and four organizations, along with the active participation of 71 foreign journalists closely monitoring the electoral proceedings. Their presence underscores the international interest and scrutiny surrounding this crucial poll.
Foreign observers, closely monitoring the voting process in Dhaka, have expressed satisfaction with the transparent and peaceful atmosphere prevailing during the ongoing voting activities. Their evaluation emphasized the transparency and serenity characterizing the electoral process.
Following a visit to the Darussalam Bangladesh Korea Technical Training Center in the capital on Sunday, three foreign observers shared insights into the voting scenario. Speaking to journalists, they highlighted the transparent and serene nature defining the ongoing electoral activities.
Deputy Head of the US Embassy Mission, Terry L. Islé, shared his observations, stating,
“The voting environment is positive, with active participation from the people. I am hopeful that at least 50% of the votes will be cast. Furthermore, in the centers we observed, no irregularities were noticed.”
Nicholas, another observer, expressed satisfaction with the visible presence of female voters, noting, “Women are exercising their voting rights, and we have witnessed a significant number participating in the process.”
German social worker and political analyst, Volker, highlighted the adherence to proper voting protocols, saying,
“Voting is being conducted following proper rules, and no issues have been observed in the process. We are pleased to witness the enthusiastic participation in voting. Our team is eager to visit more polling centers and is keenly awaiting the election results.”
The international observers’ positive feedback regarding the transparency, peaceful environment, and enthusiastic participation of voters highlights the credibility and fairness of the ongoing electoral process. Their observations contribute to the global assessment of the democratic exercise taking place in the country.
Biggest Budget National Election
The 12th general election is underway with an unprecedented estimated budget of approximately Tk2,276.22 crores, marking the largest allocation in the nation’s electoral history. Of this substantial expenditure, approximately Tk1,225.62 crore is earmarked for maintaining law and order, while the remaining Tk1,050.60 crore is designated for various election management activities.
Candidate and constituencies
On January 7th, the Election Commissioner confirmed voting in 299 constituencies from 8 am to 4 pm without a break, using transparent ballot boxes and papers. These constituencies will have 2.6 lakh polling booths across 42,103 stations. Although 300 constituencies exist, one election was postponed due to an independent candidate’s demise. A total of 1,970 candidates compete, with 1,533 from 28 parties and 436 independents. The Election Commission will soon announce a new schedule for the delayed Naogaon-2 polls. If a candidate dies, as per the Representation of the People Order, 1972, election proceedings for that constituency must be canceled, but a public notification is required according to EC’s directive from December 3rd.
