About 30,000 body-worn cameras to be deployed at polling centres: EC Secy

The Election Commission (EC) has decided to deploy around 30,000 body-worn cameras at polling centres ahead of the upcoming referendum and the 13th parliamentary election, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said.

Speaking to reporters at the Election Commission building in the capitals Agargaon on Monday (January 26), he said between 25,000 and 30,000 body-worn cameras would be used to enhance transparency and efficiency in election management.

He added that the mobile application used by law enforcement agencies during Durga Puja would also remain operational during the election period.

Outlining the electoral management framework, Akhtar Ahmed said one polling officer would be appointed for every 400 ballot papers or envelopes, while on average one polling centre would be designated for every 3,000 voters.

He also informed that a total of 76 female candidates are contesting in this election.

On the issue of the code of conduct and level playing field, the EC secretary said political parties are able to lodge complaints freely because a level playing field exists. “The Election Commission is not complacent,” he said, urging parties to directly inform the electoral committees in case of any violations.

Responding to a question about a contempt of court rule reportedly issued against the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Akhtar Ahmed said he had not yet received any official court documents or orders in this regard.