Shafiqul Alam said the meeting was informed that vote counting could face some delays this time because it is not only an election; a referendum is also being held alongside it, adding that when vote counting is delayed, rumours often spread.
Vote counting for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election may take longer than usual, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser of the interim government, Shafiqul Alam, has said.
He made the remarks on Wednesday (January 21), referring to discussions held at a meeting on election-related law and order, convened under the chairmanship of the Chief Adviser.
The meeting, held at the Chief Adviser’s Office, reviewed the overall law and order situation ahead of the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the implementation of the July National Charter. The session was chaired by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus.
Shafiqul Alam said the meeting was informed that vote counting could face some delays this time. “When vote counting is delayed, rumours often spread. This issue was discussed today because this time it is not only an election; a referendum is also being held alongside it. As a result, counting for two ballots will begin simultaneously. In addition, there are postal ballots. For these reasons, vote counting may take somewhat longer in some cases,” he said.
The press secretary added that several new measures have been introduced this year. “We want the vote counting to be conducted properly and smoothly. In that process, some delay may occur,” he noted.
Formal election campaigning for candidates in the 13th national parliamentary election will begin tomorrow. Voting for the parliamentary election and the referendum on the implementation of the July Charter will be held on the same day, February 12.
