Action if leaflets to discourage voters distributed: EC

Election Commissioner Md Anisur Rahman on Saturday warned of taking legal action against the people who are involved with distribution of leaflets to discourage voters for going to polling stations to cast their votes, reports BSS.

"No one has the right to resist voting. Some [voters] may not come [to polling stations] to cast their votes. But if they resist others, we have now brought an amendment to jail them for up to seven years or impose fines," he told journalists at Agargaon's Nirbachon Bhaban.

"We [Election Commission] have asked all police and magistrates to take appropriate action for ensuring smooth and peaceful atmosphere in polling stations," he added.

Asked if the EC would cancel candidatures due to electoral code of conduct violation or conflict between any candidates, the election commissioner said, "In that case the candidature will be cancelled, at some place or the other, he hinted."

The EC said an independent candidate's supporter, under Madaripur-3 constituency, died. "We are going to take a tough decision in this regard. No concessions are being made. We are treating everyone equally, be it big or small," he added.