GCC polls: Slow voting, EVM troubles lengthening voter queue

Gazipur City Corporation (GCC) election is being held using the electronic voting machine (EVM). However, the voting process is slow under this process, and voters are left waiting in long queues outside the polling centres.

After visiting Shahid Ahsan School and College, Hazi Almas High School, and Mazida Government High School centres, this correspondent has noted high voter turnout, as well as long and slow-moving queues.

After talking to voters in these polling centres, it was found that they do not know how to vote using an EVM.

Shahid Ahsanullah School and College Centre's Presiding Officer Sujan Chandra Das said, "Most people in this area are illiterate. They are having trouble understanding how to vote using EVM. We are helping them with the process."

The total number of voters in this centre is 1,841. However, till 10:45am on Thursday, only 170 votes were cast.

Azmat Ullah Khan, a candidate for the Awami League with the boat symbol has called for the Election Commission's attention towards this matter. He cast his vote at Darus Salam Madrasa Centre in Ward No 57 of Tongi at 8:55am, after which he spoke to journalists.

Out of eight EVMs of this centre, two were down with technical issues this morning, causing difficulties for the voters. The machines were later repaired.