EC trials combined election–referendum process in Dhaka mock vote

The Election Commission (EC) on Saturday (November 29) launched a full-day mock voting exercise in Dhaka to evaluate logistical and operational preparedness for holding the 13th National Election and a national referendum on the same day.

The trial run is taking place at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Government Girls’ High School from 8:00am to midnight, with 500 male and female voters participating.

EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said the simulation aims to assess all preparatory steps required for conducting both polls simultaneously. Based on the results, decisions will be made on whether additional polling centres, booths, manpower, or coordination measures are needed.

According to EC officials, participants include senior citizens, slum dwellers, students, transgender community members, persons with disabilities, and voters from the Election Training Institute (ETI) project.

The mock voting is being supervised by the Dhaka regional officer acting as returning officer, supported by two assistant returning officers. Six presiding officers are conducting the process across five polling centres, assisted by 10 polling officers and 20 polling agents.

International and domestic observers are monitoring the exercise, including the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), Bibi Asiya Foundation and Bian Moni Society (BMS).