The Election Commission’s measures for a secure and fair election, including restrictions on campaign activities, underline the commitment to democratic principles
The campaign for the 12th National Assembly election has ended. The official campaign ends at 8 am on Friday (5th January, 2024). Now waiting for the vote. Polling in 299 parliamentary constituencies will be held on Sunday (January 7, 2024) with a gap of one day. The Election Commission (EC) postponed the election of the Naogaon-2 seat due to the death of independent candidate Aminul Islam.
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According to the Election Commission, after the deadline on Friday, no candidate will be able to participate in public meetings, road meetings, or processions. Section 78 of the Representation of the People Ordinance 1972 deals with the period of the election campaign. No public meeting shall be called in the constituencies 48 hours before the commencement of polling and 48 hours after the close of polling. Even organizing or participating in processions or such programs will not be allowed. The election campaigning began with the allocation of the electoral symbols on December 18.
Finally, A total of 1,970 candidates are vying for success in the 12th national election, comprising 534 candidates affiliated with 28 political parties and 436 independent candidates. The EC has already taken many necessary steps for security purposes in the election.
Political Parties and Candidates for the 12th National Assembly Elections
Among the political parties, there are 266 candidates of Awami League, 265 candidates of Jatiya Party, 135 candidates of Trinamool BNP, 122 candidates of National People’s Party, 96 candidates of Bangladesh Congress, 39 candidates of Islami Front Bangladesh, 42 candidates of Islami Oikya Jote, 30 candidates of Krishak Sramik Janata-League, 9 candidates of Gano Forum, Jatiya Gano Front- 21, Zaker Party -21, Jatiya Party (JP)- 13, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSAD)- 66, Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh-10, Bangladesh Islami Front – 35, Bangladesh Kallyan Party -16, Bangladesh Khilafat Movement- 11, Bangladesh Jatiya Party- 5, Bangladesh Nationalist Movemcent -56, Bangladesh Tariqat Federation -38, Bangladesh National Awami Party (NAP)- 5, Bangladesh Nationalist Front-BNF- 45, Bangladesh Muslim League – 4, Bangladesh Supreme Party – 79, Bangladesh Sanshikari Muktijot – 63, Bangladesh Walkers Party – 26 people, 4 people from the Communist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist-Leninist), 10 people from the Democratic Party.
In this election, there are 90 women candidates from party and independent parties. Among them 18 people from Awami League, 7 people from Jatiya Party. Besides, 23 independent women candidates and 79 people are competing with other minority groups.
Election Stats and Demographics
In the upcoming election, there will be a total of 299 parliamentary seats, and the number of polling centers will be 42,103. In these centers, there will be 2,61,912 voting booths. For this election, the total number of voters across the country is 1196 91,633 people. Among the voters, there are 6 7171,579 males and 58919,202 females. Additionally, there are 852 voters of the third gender. Furthermore, a total of 9,09,529 officials and personnel will be assigned to polling stations. There are 4,06,364 presiding officers, 2,87,722 assistant presiding officers, and 5,75,443 polling officials among them.
Election Security Measures Taken By EC
In preparation for the parliamentary elections on Sunday, the government has implemented a 24-hour ban on taxicabs, pickup vans, microbuses, and trucks starting from midnight on Saturday. Additionally, a 72-hour restriction on motorcycle movement will be in effect from midnight tomorrow until midnight on Monday. Exceptions to these restrictions include law enforcement agencies, armed forces, administration personnel, and observers with permission, as well as vehicles involved in emergency services, transportation of drugs and medical equipment, newspapers, long-route vehicles, and those carrying contesting candidates and their agents.
Furthermore, journalists, observers, election-related officers and employees, national highways, key inter-district routes, and linking roads for major highways will also be exempt from these restrictions. To ensure peace and order leading up to, during, and after the January 7 national election, armed forces have already been deployed across the country.
According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) media release on Tuesday (January 02, 2024), the deployment will be maintained from January 3 to January 10. The army, in collaboration with the BGB and Coast Guard, will be on duty in 47 bordering upazilas and 4 coastal upazilas, respectively.
As specified in Section 126 of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the armed forces have been deployed under the “In Aid to the Civil Power.”
Conclusion
The conclusion of the 12th National Assembly election campaign marks a crucial juncture as the nation awaits the polling day on January 7, 2024. The Election Commission’s measures for a secure and fair election, including restrictions on campaign activities, underline the commitment to democratic principles. With a diverse field of candidates and extensive demographic statistics, the election reflects a vibrant democratic process, requiring vigilance and cooperation for a successful outcome. The nation anticipates a peaceful and participatory election day, facilitated by the deployed armed forces and meticulous security measures.
