Rejecting Jatiya Oikyafront’s demand for re-election, Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda on Monday said there is no such scope.
“The election was credible according to reports of the media, and local and foreign observers. Till now, we haven’t received any written complaint of irregularities,” he told a post-election press conference at Nirbachan Bhaban. Rejecting the results of the national election, Jatiya Oikyafront on Sunday demanded reelection under a nonparty caretaker government.
Dr Kamal Hossain, the convener of the opposition alliance, made the demand while speaking at a press conference at his Bailey Road residence after a meeting of the alliance leaders. “The news of ‘vote robbery’ in a similar fashion reached us from almost all the constituencies. As a result, over 100 candidates of different parties boycotted the election,” he had said.
The CEC also said even if any complaint is lodged with the Election Commission, there will be no barrier to publishing the results in gazettes.Replying to a query, he said, “We’re satisfied with the election. We aren’t dissatisfied.”
Nurul Huda said some 80 percent voters exercised their franchise in Sunday’s general election held in a peaceful atmosphere amid enthusiasm. “There’s an air of festivity everywhere. Actually, the nation celebrated the vote festival on December 30,” he said.He said the Election Commission regretted as 14 people lost their lives in election violence.
Balloting in 16 polling stations out of over 40,000 was postponed, the CEC said.Four election commissioners — Mahbub Talukder, Rafiqul Islam, Kabita Khanom and Brig Gen (retd) Shahadat Hossain Chowdhury — and EC Secretary Helal Uddin Ahmed were present at the press conference.
source: UNB
