Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal today said the voter turnout in the first phase of the 6th upazila parishad polls is likely to be 30 to 40 percent.

“Voters turnout may be between 30 and 40 percent. . .Vote casting rate may be low due to rain in the morning and most of the people were involved in paddy harvesting,” he told journalists here this afternoon following the first phase of the local government elections.

The CEC said, “The first phase of the election was held today in 139 upazilas across the country…As per the information gathered here, the polls were held in a free, fair and peaceful manner despite some sporadic incidents.”

Referring to the security aspects, he said, “Violation of electrical rules was reported from some places when a number of people were sustained injuries during clashes between rival groups in few centres.”

Polling was suspended in two centres following report of violence, he said adding that law enforcement agencies and local administration were remained vigilant to maintain law and order in and around the polling centres.

According to election control room, Kazi Habibul Awal said as many as 34 untoward incidents were reported, in which 25 people got injured. Police arrested a total of 37 people for their involvement in the incidents.