The much-expected by-polls to Chattogram-8 (Boalkhali-Chandgaon) will be held today, with voters casting votes through electronic voting machines (EVM).

The voting will start at 9am and continue till 5pm at 170 polling centres, said election officials, adding that 4,75,988 voters are expected to exercise their franchise.

The constituency fell vacant due to death of lawmaker Moin Uddin Khan Badal on November 7 last year.

Photo: Collected

For the seat, the contest, mainly, would be between Awami League candidate Moslem Uddin Ahmed and BNP’s Abu Sufian. Four candidates from Bangladesh Nationalist Front, Islamic Front Bangladesh and National Awami Party and an independent one are also contesting the polls.

Candidates stopped campaigning on Saturday midnight, as per the electoral code of conduct.

During his campaign, Moslem pledged to start the work for constructing Kalurghat road bridge over Karnaphuli river in a year, if elected. He also assured of improving road network and sewerage system.

Sufian emphasised “people’s right to vote”, which would strengthen their movement to free BNP chief Khaleda Zia. He also expressed concern over using EVMs and urged voters to remain vigilant.

Regarding Kalurghat bridge, he said though the AL has been in power for 11 years, they did not construct the bridge.

During campaign, both candidates lodged multiple complaints with the returning officer over violation of polls code.

Meanwhile, EVM machines and other electoral equipment were taken to the polling centres yesterday.

“The EC is all set to hold the polls in a free and fair manner,” said RO Mohammad Hasanuzzaman, regional election officer. “Strict security measures have been taken centring the polls,” he assured.