Vote counting may take longer due to higher number of candidates: EC

Voters will have to cast ballots on two separate ballot papers in the upcoming national parliamentary election, while the number of candidates is also higher nationwide. As a result, both polling and vote counting may take slightly longer than usual, said Senior Secretary of the Election Commission, Akhtar Ahmed.

He also said that around 500 foreign observers and journalists are expected to arrive from abroad for the election.

Speaking to journalists after separate meetings with mobile operators, banks and BNCC officials at the Election Commission building in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Thursday, January 22, the EC secretary said different types of ballots are being used for expatriate voters and domestic voters this time.

Due to the use of two ballots and the increased number of candidates, vote counting will take more time, particularly the counting of postal ballots at returning officers’ offices, which poses a major challenge, he said.

Citing examples, he said 16,038 postal voters have been registered in Feni-3, 14,274 in Chattogram-15 and 13,939 in Cumilla. Although a polling centre may have around 3,000 voters, the pressure of postal ballots is five to six times higher, which may delay the publication of results.

Regarding international response to election observation, the secretary said the EC had invited 83 organisations, of which 36 have confirmed participation. Currently, 56 representatives from the European Union are in Dhaka, a number that may rise to between 275 and 300. In addition, 10 representatives from the Commonwealth and nine from Turkey are expected. Overall, around 500 foreign observers and journalists will monitor the election. Visa-on-arrival facilities will be provided for them.