Elections to 18 union parishads (UPs) will be held in Patuakhali and Faridpur today, report our correspondents.

Khan Abi Shahnur Khan, Patuakhali district election officer, said they have made all-out preparations to hold the polls to seven UPs in two upazilas in a free and fair manner.

The unions are Baliatali, Mithaganj, Dhankhali, Champapur and Dalbuganj in Kalapara upazila and Shrirampur and Lebukhali in Dumki upazila.

Twenty-eight candidates are vying for the posts of chairmen, said the officer.

Nurul Kabir Jhunu, BNP-backed chairman candidate for Baliatali UP, said he is very worried over fair polls as ruling Awami League-backed chairman candidates spread their influence over the elections in the locality.

ABM Humayun Kabir, AL-backed chairman candidate for the UP, said they are ready to give all possible help to arrange fair election that would be accepted by local people.

Meanwhile, a total of 37 chairman candidates are contesting for 11 UPs polls in Faridpur Sadar upazila.

The unions are Ambikapur, Aliabad, Ishan Gopalpur, Uttar Channel, Kanaipur, Krishnanagar, Kaijuri, Greda, Char Madhabdia, Decreerchar and Majchar.

District Election Officer Habibur Rahman said all preparations are complete to hold a fair poll and voting will be held from 8:00am to 4:00pm at 102 polling centres without any break.