Dhaka, Feb 10 (V7N) — All ballots for the 13th National Parliament election have now reached the 299 constituencies scheduled to go to the polls, confirmed Akhtar Ahmed, Senior Secretary of the Election Commission (EC) Secretariat, on Tuesday.

He made the announcement during the inauguration of the media center for foreign journalists covering the election, held at a hotel in the capital on Tuesday (February 10).

Since assuming office, Akhtar Ahmed said, the Election Commission has been working to ensure a fair election. “It has not been possible to publish a 100% accurate voter list, and registering new political parties has been a challenge,” he added.

“All the ballots have reached the 299 constituencies, and preparations for voting have been completed,” he said. “The notification on going to polling stations with mobile phones will be withdrawn today. Counting postal ballots takes time, but there will be no undue delay under any circumstances.”

He also highlighted the international attention on the election. “Journalists from 115 countries have expressed interest in covering the election. Observers from 21 countries are present to monitor the process,” he said.

It is worth noting that the 13th National Parliament election will be held in 299 out of 300 seats on Thursday, February 12. The election in Sherpur-3 (Srivardi-Jhenaigati) constituency has been postponed due to the death of Jamaat-nominated candidate Nuruzzaman Badal.

END/SMA/AJ