Most election results likely by midnight EC Anwarul
Staff Reporter :
Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarker has expressed optimism that the election results of most constituencies in the parliamentary poll will be announced by midnight following the completion of vote counting.
“Most of the results will be declared by midnight, at the latest by the end of the night or the following day,” he said.
The commissioner made the remarks on Tuesday while responding to journalists’ questions at his office in the Election Commission building.
Anwarul Islam Sarker said adherence to the electoral code of conduct has been ensured almost entirely due to candidates’ and parties’ commitments submitted with nomination papers, as well as extensive voter awareness and motivation campaigns at the field level.
“Compared to the past, the overall environment on the ground is much better,” he added.
He noted that based on reports received through various media outlets, direct feedback from journalists, and on-the-spot inspections by the Commission, the EC believes the election atmosphere is significantly improved compared to many previous polls.
“From what we are seeing and hearing, the field-level situation this time is excellent,” he said.
Providing details of enforcement actions, the election commissioner said mobile courts conducted operations in 128 constituencies between January 8 and January 26.
During this period, fines were imposed in 144 cases of code-of-conduct violations, amounting to Tk 905,500, while 94 cases were filed.
He said mobile courts, electoral inquiry and judicial committees are active in every constituency, with judges at the joint district judge level overseeing prompt judicial action.
“Mobile courts are operating every day, and we are receiving daily reports showing at least 50 to 60 cases being filed. In some cases fines are imposed, in others sentences are awarded. The enforcement drive is in full swing,” he said.
Anwarul Islam Sarker also said political leaders are regularly engaging with the Election Commission, sharing advice, observations, and feedback. “We are taking immediate action based on their inputs,” he said.
He added that issues highlighted through electronic, print, and social media are promptly brought to the attention of returning officers, and swift measures are being taken in coordination with law enforcement agencies to prevent irregularities and ensure legal action where necessary.