Delay in JAKSU and Hall Council vote counting: Manual process and irregularities extend the time

 PNN News Desk | Dhaka

Despite 20 hours having passed since the end of voting in the JAKSU and Hall Council elections at Dhaka University, the vote counting has still not been completed. The total number of voters in the election was 11,743, of which 67–68% cast their votes.

Proctor and Election Commission Secretary A.K.M. Rashidul Alam said that initially, the vote counting was expected to be completed by Friday afternoon. However, manual counting, absence of polling agents, and the late arrival of ballot boxes delayed the start of counting.

Rashidul Alam noted that although there was a plan to use OMR machines, manual counting was decided due to requests from some candidates. Additionally, in some polling centers, voting began late at 9 a.m., and turnout remained low until noon. Collecting ballot boxes took time due to voter queues around 4:30–5 p.m., which led to counting starting around 10 p.m.

He added that counting initially took place on five tables, later increased to ten tables. CCTV monitoring is being conducted at each table to ensure transparency. Extra time was also required to ensure the presence of polling agents and returning officers.

Rashidul Alam stated that the initial delays have been overcome, and the vote counting is progressing, with efforts being made to complete everything transparently.