Bangladesh election officials are currently tallying votes following a controversial poll that was marred by violence and boycotted by the opposition. Despite widespread reports of inducements to encourage participation and legitimize the election, the majority of Bangladeshis chose not to vote on Sunday, resulting in a low turnout. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to secure her fourth consecutive term.
“Vote counting has begun,” announced Shariful Alam, spokesperson for the election commission. The results are anticipated to be available as early as Monday morning.
By 3pm (09:00 GMT), an hour before the polls closed, the turnout stood at 27.15 percent, according to the election commission. This is significantly lower compared to the overall turnout of over 80 percent in the previous election held in 2018.
Voting was canceled at three centers due to irregularities, as reported by Jahangir Alam, the commission’s secretary.
Badul Alam Majumder, an independent election observer and civil society activist, expressed his belief that the vote did not meet the criteria of a “proper election” in an interview with Al Jazeera.
Link from www.aljazeera.com