Patuakhali, Nov 1 (V7N)- Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarkar has said that presiding officers will have the authority to suspend voting at a polling center if necessary, provided there is a valid reason. The returning officer also has the power to cancel votes from all centers in a constituency if deemed required under the Representation of the People Order (RPO) amendment.

He made the remarks during a day-long workshop on identifying and overcoming challenges for polling officers in Kuakata, Patuakhali, on Saturday.

Commissioner Sarkar emphasized that officials must perform their duties fearlessly and that any action taken must have a logical justification.

Around 60 officials from various government departments, including election officials from eight upazilas of Patuakhali district, participated in the workshop. Election-related authorities said that the administration, law enforcement agencies, and the Election Commission are working together to ensure a free and fair election.

END/SMA/AJ