The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Cautious voters across the country, in all the 299 constituencies, have cast newly introduced 'No' votes who did not find their choice.

The Election Commission officials said 'No' votes were recorded in all constituencies with the highest being in Rangamati. Our correspondent said as many as 32,064 indigenous people in Rangamati cast 'No' votes to express their resentment to the candidates in Monday's polls.

Quite a big number though, the negative votes recorded in Rangamati did not however impact the final result of the constituency, which Awami League-led grand alliance contender Dipangkar Talukder won with 1,14,965 votes leaving the four-party alliance rival Moitree Chakma trailing with 66,429 votes.

The United People's Democratic Front, a hill people's organisation earlier campaigned for 'No' votes among the indigenous community.

More than one lakh nega tive votes were recorded nationwide till early hours of Tuesday, Election Commission officials said. However, the number of total 'no' votes is yet to get.

According to the new provision, 50 per cent or more 'no' votes recorded in a constituency would lead to re-election in the respective seat.

EC Deputy Secretary AKM Salimullah said, "Many voters who didn't find their choice among the candidates in the past elections didn't show up in the centres, but the new provision drew them to the polling booths as it allows them to say 'no."