The Election Commission (EC) has instructed presiding officers and other responsible officials to ensure adequate lighting at polling and counting centres to facilitate smooth voting in the forthcoming National Parliamentary Elections and Referendum.
It has also directed that alternative lighting arrangements be prepared in advance in case of power outages.
The instructions were issued in a circular signed on Saturday by Mohammad Monir Hossain, Deputy Secretary (Election Management-2 Branch) of the Election Commission Secretariat.
The circular states that inadequate lighting is unacceptable under any circumstances. Proper illumination is essential for correctly marking ballot papers, safeguarding ballots in ballot boxes, verifying ballot papers, and accurately completing each stage of vote counting.
To guarantee voters’ right to cast their votes freely and in secrecy, the EC has directed that designated secret rooms (marking stations) be established at each polling centre. These rooms must be clean, well-lit, secure, and arranged so that voters can enter and exit without obstruction.
The circular further states that contesting candidates, or anyone acting on their behalf, will not be permitted to set up election camps within a 400-yard radius of a polling centre. Any campaign materials, including posters, leaflets or handbills, within this perimeter must be removed before voting begins.
Strict monitoring has been ordered to ensure that no one can canvass for votes or attempt to encourage or discourage voting.
Candidates, their election agents, polling agents or supporters will not be permitted to use any form of vehicle to transport voters to the polling centre. Legal action will be taken against those who violate the electoral code of conduct, the circular warned.
The EC emphasised that all instructions must be strictly adhered to on polling day.
