Army not needed for RCC polls, says CEC

Chief Election Commi-ssioner KM Nurul Huda on     Thursday said there is no need to deploy army in the upcoming Rangpur City Corporation (RCC) election, just because BNP demands it. The Election Commission has already taken adequate preparations to hold a trouble-free mayoral election.
"Deployment of the Army for the RCC polls is not necessary to ensure a free, fair and credible election because the EC is determined to conduct every election in the country in a transparent manner," the
CEC told journalists after a meeting with members of various law enforcement agencies, local government officials and election officials at the Divisional Commissioner's office in Rangpur.
The EC has already instructed different law enforcement agencies to undertake adequate preparations to conduct a credible poll, said the CEC.
Some 23 or 24 members of different law enforcement agencies including personnel from the Armed Forces will be deployed in every polling station to ensure an election-friendly atmosphere for the voters to exercise their franchise without any fear, the CEC also said.  
He further said currently at least 22 mobile courts are operating with 22 magistrates heading those and from today (Friday) there will be a mobile court in every ward.
"The mood here is festive and it will be a free, fair and credible election," the CEC added.
Issuing a note of caution, Huda said action will be taken immediately if anyone violates the electoral rules.  "All measures will be taken to hold a free and fair election. A four-tier security measure will be put in place during the polls."
Replying to a query, Huda said Electronic Voting Machine will be used in one polling station but that too on the local people's choice. "If voters want, then EVM will be used, otherwise not."
 Acting Secretary of the EC Helaluddin Ahmed, DIG of Rangpur Police, Superintendent of Police Mizanur Rahman, Returning Officer Subash Chandra Sarker were also present at the meeting.