Bangladesh's ruling Awami League has been declared winner in the general parliamentary elections held on Sunday, securing between 209 and 223 seats, according to various sources. This outcome ensures a parliamentary majority for the Awami League, and its leader, Sheikh Hasina, is set to become the country's premier for the fifth time (fourth consecutive).
Despite the election victory, Prime Minister Hasina opted to cancel the traditional victory procession in response to opposition protests. The opposition, led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), boycotted the elections and announced a strike until Monday morning. Amid threats and demonstrations, Hasina instructed her party leaders and supporters to refrain from clashes and provocations.
Election Commission chief Kazi Habibul Awal reported a voter turnout of approximately 40 percent, describing the election as generally peaceful. However, incidents marred the voting process, with clashes between supporters of rival political forces resulting in one fatality and around 50 injuries, including two police officers. Additional disruptions occurred in various cities, with instances of ballot box burning and confrontations reported.
Protests and threats from the opposition have been ongoing since last summer, with the radical opposition demanding Hasina's resignation. Despite the challenges, the election proceeded at over 42 thousand polling stations in 299 out of 300 electoral districts, with 1.9 thousand candidates vying for the 300 seats determined by universal suffrage. Additionally, 50 seats are reserved exclusively for women, allocated to parties based on their representation. The unicameral parliament of Bangladesh comprises 350 deputies.
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Photo: K M Asas/World Bank/Creative Commons 2.0
Based on materials from TASS