The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The long-awaited general election will be held tomorrow to end the two-year rule by an army-backed caretaker government.

The majority of some 81 million registered voters, of which 50.9 percent are females, are expected to exercise their right to franchise in the elections to be held under a foolproof security blanket.

According to the Election Commission, more than 1,500 candidates of 39 registered political parties as well as independent candidates will contest for 299 seats.

The political parties divided in two major alliances - Awami League led Mohajote and BNP led 4-party Oikkyajote - are the main power contenders in the polls.

The two dominating political leaders -BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and AL President Sheikh Hasina - criss-crossed the country on the final day of campaigning yesterday.

Both the leaders delivered televised addresses to the nation on the last day of campaign.

According to the provisions of the Representation of People Order (RPO), all campaigning of elections have ceased since yesterday midnight.

With the cease of campaigning plying of all mechanised vehicles, except authorised once engaged in election purpose, have been prohibited.

Vehicles including private cars, micro-buses and rented CNG cars will be off the road and possession of firearms has been forbidden.

However, the highways and 'important' roads will be kept beyond the restrictions.

As the final touch Khaleda addressed a grand rally at Paltan Maidan in the City yesterday while Sheikh Hasina travelled to Chittagong, the second biggest city of the country and addressed a grand rally there at Laldighi Maidan.

Khaleda Zia has covered more areas of the country in her campaigning while Sheikh Hasina has held several video conference rallies amid reports that Islamic militants are plotting to kill her.

The polls are expected to be the fairest yet in the country after the current regime created a digital electoral roll eliminating 12.7 million fake names. There are some 200,000 electoral observers, including 2,500 from abroad.

Some 50,000 troops have been deployed across the country and 600,000 police officers will man polling booths in a bid to eliminate election fraud and terror attacks.

Law enforcing agencies said at least two dozen militants had been arrested in its nationwide drive ahead of the polls. Explosives and at least 25 bombs were also seized in raids.

The Election Commission, helped by the non-party Caretaker Government, has almost concluded its arrangements for holding a peaceful and all-inclusive election.

Some 284 judicial and 715 executive magistrates have also been appointed with the power to hold summary trials.

A total of 35,216 polling centers will be set up across the country with 177,107 polling booths for voting.

The ninth parliamentary election originally was scheduled to be held on January 22, 2006.