The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff reporter

A majority of eligible voters have confidence on the updated Voter List, but there are indications of concern about violations of the election Code of Conduct by candidates and their supporters, said a survey report of Election Working Group (EWG), a coalition of 33 civil society organizations.

In advance of the August 4, 2008, City Corporation Elections, the EWG released its second on "Pre-Election Observation Report" yesterday about the pre-election environment.

EWG observers interviewed eligible voters in Barisal, Khulna, Rajshahi, and Sylhet City Corporations from July 21-23 about their perceptions of the campaign period, security environment, and election preparations.

The survey was part of long-term monitoring of the election process of EWG. According to EWG's most recent pre-election survey, at least 93% of eligible voters in each City Corporation believe that the people in their area are satisfied with the new Voter List. At least 89% believe the law and order situation in their area is conducive to a free and fair election.

The survey also finds that 11% of respondents in Sylhet faced harassment by the candidates and their supporters,15% of respondents in Rajshahi indicated concern about candidates attempting to influence voters through money or gifts, 18% respondents in khulna complained that the candidates are using places of worship for campaigning.

Overall, eligible voters surveyed by EWG in Barisal City Corporation seemed to perceive conditions to be favorable for the August 4 elections.

It may be mentioned that On Election Day, more than 3,075 EWG election observers will be still in different polling booths in four City Corporations and will monitor the elections in nine municipalities to observe the entire polling system.