Voting in 708 union parishads underway

The fifth phase of the Union Parishad (UP) polls are underway at 708 unions across the country. 

The voting has begun at 7,137 centers from 8:00 am and will continue till 4:00 pm on Wednesday.

According to Election Commission factsheet, a total of 36,457 candidates are in the election race for the chairman and member posts of 708 UPs at 95 upazilas in 48 districts. Of them, 3,278 are chairman contenders for 708 posts.

In the 708 UPs, the total number of voters is 14.2 million. Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be used in 40 UPs, while traditional ballot papers will be used in the remaining bodies in the 5th phase polls.

Law enforcement agencies, including Police, RAB and BGB personnel, have been deployed to the polling centers to tackle any unwanted situation.

The first four phases of the UP elections were full of violence and several violent incidents took place in various UPs during the pre-election campaign. As a result, there has been tension and panic of probable violence among the voters.

The election is being held in 95 upazilas of 48 districts.

The first phase of the UP elections was held on June 21, the second phase on November 11, the third phase on November 28 and the fourth phase on December 26.

ARR