EC happy over Sunday\\\'s upazila polls

The Election Commission (EC) was satisfied with the Sunday's election to 91 upazila parishads in 43 districts, though it said stray and unwarranted incidents of violence led to suspension of voting in 32 polling stations, reports UNB.
"Though we tried our best to hold the elections peacefully, some stray and unwarranted incidents of violence took place that led to suspension of voting in 32 polling stations today (Sunday)," said Election Commissioner Mohammad Abdul Mobarak.
Commissioner Mobarak, who is now performing the duties of the Chief Election Commissioner, made the remarks over the fourth phase upazila elections at a press briefing at the EC secretariat on Sunday evening.
Replying to a query, he expressed satisfaction over the elections in the 91 upazilas saying 'Alhamdulillah, the election was held in the manner Allah wanted. We're satisfied'.
Explaining massive violence in the 4th phase of upazila polls, Mobarak said the irrepressible desire to win the polls caused escalation of violence.
He urged the political parties to follow electoral laws properly.
Asked about various allegations raised by some candidates and the BNP, the Election Commissioner said the EC received allegations through two channels-telephone and fax. Of them, 20 allegations received through fax were found acceptable and the commission took steps regarding these.
He, however, termed the allegations that came through telephone as 'misguided' saying that these allegations were not found true on the ground.
The complainants over telephone apparently raised the allegations apprehending possible defeat, he said.
Commissioner Mobarak criticised a section of media saying that his Sunday's statement in connection to the army was misquoted by them.