According to Election Commission (EC) data, about 36.1 percent votes were cast in the first upazila elections held on Wednesday. The voting rate on EVM (electronic voting) machines was 31.31 percent and on ballot papers was 37.22 percent. The voting rate in the 12th general election was 41.8 percent.
However, Awami League general secretary expressed satisfaction over the voting rate in the upazila elections. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, he said the elections were overall peaceful except for a few isolated incidents. They want stress on him.
However, election experts say that people are becoming disengaged from the electoral process, which is extremely worrying for democracy. He also questioned who is responsible for this.
Speaking to Prothom Alo, Shushashonor Jonno Nagorik (Shujan) secretary Badiul Alam Majumdar said the low turnout is a result of people's lack of confidence in the electoral system. Due to this people have lost interest in elections.