RANGPUR, Dec 12, 2022 (BSS) - Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal here tonight said there is no problem with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and free and fair elections are possible with EVMs.
 
"Candidates and voters have confidence in EVMs that will also be used in national elections. The Rangpur City Corporation (RpCC) Elections-2022 will be free, fair, impartial and peaceful," he said.
 
The CEC said this while talking to journalists after addressing a views-sharing meeting with contesting candidates in the RpCC Elections-2022 at the Shilpokola Academy auditorium in the city as the chief guest.
 
Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd) Md Ahsan Habib Khan and Secretary to the Election Commission Secretariat Md. Jahangir Alam attended the event as special guests.
 
Returning Officer for RpCC Elections-2022 and Joint Secretary of Election Commission Md Abdul Baten, Divisional Commissioner Md Sabirul Islam, Rangpur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Nure Alam Mina, Deputy Commissioner Dr Chitralekha Nazneen, Rangpur Regional Election Officer GM Sahatab Uddin, Senior District Election Officer of Rangpur Farhad Hossain and related assistant returning officers were present.
 
The CEC said law and order will be in order in the RpCC elections-2022.
 
Regarding BNP's non-participation in the RpCC elections-2022, he said political parties will create an electoral environment or the label playing field and the Election Commission will extend support.
 
Responding to a question, the CEC said immediate actions will be taken against the Presiding Officers if found showing partiality.
 
"The good and bad of elections depend on the Presiding Officers. If needed, they will exercise maximum powers to stop elections. If this can be done, it is possible to conduct elections properly," he said.
 
On the occasion, the CEC called upon the people of the city to come to the polling stations without fear.
 
A total of 255 candidates, including nine for mayoral post, 179 for 33 general councilor posts and 67 for 11 reserved women councilor posts are finally in the fray for RpCC Elections-2022.
 
The RpCC Elections- 2022 will be held at the polling booths of 229 polling centres from 8 am to 4 pm on December 27 next.

EVMs will be used in all polling centers in the third Rangpur City Corporation elections. Every polling station will be covered by CCTV cameras.

As many as 4,26,469 voters, including 2,12,302 males and 2,14,167 females, will apply voting rights in the RpCC Elections- 2022.