EC ready to conduct DNCC mayor polls

The Election Commission is ready to hold the election to the mayoral post of Dhaka North City Corporation within the next 90 days.

The EC will take initiatives to that end soon after the government publishes a gazette notification announcing the mayoral post vacant.

The DNCC mayor post fell vacant due to the death of Annisul Huq. According to the local government (City Corporation) laws, election must be held within 90 days of the seat falling vacant.

“The DNCC mayoral election will be held within 90 days of gazette publication announcing the post vacant. The Election Commission will start working in this regard after the local government ministry publishes the gazette,” Helal Uddin Ahmed, acting secretary to EC, told journalists.

“The polls have to be held within 90 days from November 30, which means by February 28, 2018. The commission may announce the schedule at least 45 days ahead of the by-election,” EC Assistant Secretary Rajib Ahsan said.

According to the laws, terms of the elected representatives of city corporations expire five years after their first official meeting.

“The next mayor, to be elected through the by-election, will serve for the remaining term,” said Ahsan.

The DNCC election was held on April 28, 2015 in which Awami League candidate Annisul Huq won. He died on November 30 at a hospital in London where he was undergoing treatment.