Kalapara (Patuakhali), June 5 (V7N Dhaka)— The Kalapara Upazila Parishad election is taking place today, with voting commencing at 8 AM and continuing uninterrupted until 4 PM. A total of three candidates are contesting for the position of chairman, three for the vice-chairman, and four for the female vice-chairman.

Election materials, excluding ballot papers, were dispatched to polling centers via presiding officers starting from 2 PM on Tuesday under strict security measures. To ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election, 15 executive magistrates and one judicial magistrate, along with a significant number of law enforcement personnel, have been deployed across 12 unions and two municipalities.

The voting process is being conducted in a festive atmosphere, as anticipated by voters. Kalapara Upazila has a total of 205,425 registered voters, distributed across 74 polling centers. Of these, 40 centers have been identified as high-risk, while 34 are considered low-risk. Regardless, all centers are being treated as high-risk to ensure smooth voting procedures. Security forces, including police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and Coast Guard members, are stationed throughout the election area and at polling centers.

Additionally, 10 officials from the Election Commission are set to visit the polling centers to oversee the proceedings, according to sources.

Md. Mostafa Kamal, the Upazila Election Officer and Assistant Returning Officer, stated, "Election materials, excluding ballot papers, have been sent to the polling centers through the presiding officers. We hope to deliver a free, fair, and impartial election."

This election highlights the commitment to maintaining democratic processes in Kalapara, ensuring voters can cast their ballots in a secure and orderly environment.

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