No plan to deploy army in Chattogram city polls: EC Rafiqul

Election Commissioner Rafiqul Islam today said there are no plans to deploy army during the Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) election set to take place on March 29.

Rafiqul Islam was briefing reporters at the regional election office in Chattogram after a meeting with district election officials on how to verify the affidavits of election candidates.

The commission has never deployed army in local government elections, and the same policy will remain in place this time, Rafiqul Islam said.

He said unarmed army personnel will be in the voting booths only for technical support for using EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines).

When asked whether the commission has any plans to bring in more voters following low voter turnout in the recently held Dhaka City Corporation elections, he said there would be no obstruction for voters from any side.

"We will ensure safety of the voters so that they can turn up in large numbers. We will make sure that if you turn up at the polling centre, you will be able to cast your vote. We also assure voters that there will be no chaos," he said.

Election Commission is trying to allow vehicles to ply on Election Day to some extent.

"We have a plan to keep the offices open on the day of election. Let's see what happens," he added.

Regarding the presence of non-voting people in secret rooms where the vote is cast, he said any voter who is aged or visually impaired can take help from anyone present at the polling centres.

"I am not denying the fact that sometimes there are misuse of privileges allowed by election law. If any allegation arises, we would take punitive measures. Already we issued directives to assistant presiding officers in this regard," Rafiqul Islam added.