Voting underway in 13th national polls, referendum

Voting in the 13th national parliamentary elections and the referendum is underway across the country.

Balloting started simultaneously at 7:30 am on Thursday in 299 out of 300 parliamentary constituencies and will continue until 4:30 pm without any break. However, voting in Sherpur-3 has been cancelled by the Election Commission (EC) following the death of a candidate.

Voting is being held at a total of 42,779 polling centres nationwide, with 247,482 polling booths set up at these centres.

A total of 50 political parties are participating in the polls. Altogether, 2,028 candidates are contesting the election — 1,755 from political parties and 273 independent candidates, according to EC sources.

A total of 127,711,893 voters from 299 constituencies are expected to exercise their franchise in the elections and referendum. Of them, 64,825,361 are male voters, 62,885,300 are female voters, and 1,232 are third-gender voters.

However, voters were seen at various polling centres in the capital from early morning. The presence of women and young voters was particularly noticeable. Long queues were observed at some centres even before voting began.

Many first-time voters expressed their enthusiasm after arriving to cast their ballots. They said they felt proud to exercise their right to vote in determining the country’s future.

Rakib Hasan, who came to vote at the Salambagh Jame Mosque centre in Rampura, said he arrived early in the morning to cast his ballot. “There was a short queue, but the environment is peaceful. We want a free and fair election so that the people’s verdict is properly reflected,” he said.

Sabina Yasmin, a resident of Khilgaon, said voting is a civic duty. “I came with my family to cast my vote. The environment at the centre is good. The presence of women voters is also quite noticeable,” she said.

Md Mohiuddin, a resident of Rampura, said he offered Fajr prayers at the Salambagh Jame Mosque and then joined the queue. “We stood in line immediately after the prayers. We will cast our votes early and then return home,” he said.