DHAKA: The Election Commission (EC) today said its initiatives to update the voter list ahead of local government polls were underway to publish the final registry on August 31.

“For updating the voter list, the Commission has fixed July 31, 2008 as the qualifying date under Section 3(j) of the Voter List Act, 2009. Accordingly, those who are enlisted in our data base having birthdays on or before July 31, 2008 will be included in the voters roll,” an EC spokesman said.

EC’s Senior Assistant Secretary Md Nasir Uddin Chowdhury said the Commission approved a schedule for publishing the draft voters roll, submitting claims, objections and applications for corrections for disposal through verifications ahead of publishing the final voter list.

According to an EC circular signed by Chowdhyry the last date for submitting claims, objections and applications for corrections is August 24.

August 4 has been fixed as the last date for preparing the PDF format of updated draft voter list and sending the link to the respective registration officers at the field level.

The updated draft voter list will be published on August 9.

The last date for incorporating decisions on the applications for claims, objections and corrections is August 28.

The final updated voter list will be published on August 31.

“During the process, announcements should be made before or after prayers through imams and priests at mosques, temples and other places of worship, inviting the public to inspect the printed draft voter list and submit applications for correction of errors,” an EC circular said.

It said arrangements would also be made to publicise the list through local media outlets and cable operators.
According to the circular if any female voter is included in the male list or any male voter in the female list, or if there are any errors relating to religion or any other mistakes in the printed draft voter list, necessary steps would be taken for required corrections.