Dhaka: Education Minister Dipu Moni has said that the mayoral by-election of the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and polls for the councillor posts in 36 new wards split evenly between the two city corporations for the capital had been ‘free and fair’.

She passed the judgement while talking to reporters at a press conference held at Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s political office as president of the Awami League in Dhanmondi, reports the UNB.

‘The election was completed in a free and fair manner. The country’s people want to stay connected with progress, so we believe they cast their votes today for a beautiful city,’ said Moni, also a joint general secretary of the AL.

‘So far, we found no news of any unwanted incident centring the polls. As per the information of Election Commission (EC), 50 percent votes were cast. We are yet to get the result but hopefully Awami League candidate will win,’ she said.

Responding to the BNP’s allegations that ballot boxes had been filled up even before polls opened in the morning, Moni said ‘They were ready with such comments on the eve of the election.’

About the low voter turnout observed by most journalists, Moni attributed it to the fact of the mayor race being a by-election, which usually witness a fall-off in voters’ participation.