Ruling AL candidate Rifat wins Cumilla mayoral race

Ruling Awami League (AL) candidate Arfanul Huque Rifat on Wednesday was elected Cumilla City Corporation (CCC) Mayor defeating Independent candidate Monirul Huque Sakku.

As per unofficial results of 105 polling centers, Rifat bagged 50,310 votes while his main rival Sakku managed to secure 49,967 votes.

Returning Officer Shahedunnabi Chowdhury made the announcement around 9:30pm on Wednesday.

Earlier, the voting began at 8:00am and continued until 4:00pm without any break. 

A total of 2,29,920 voters were scheduled to exercise their voting right through electronic voting machines (EVMs) in all the 640 booths of the 105 centers as close circuit cameras were installed inside the centers for the first time.

No major allegation of irregularities or violence was reported during the election hours.

In an immediate reaction after the voting ended, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal told reporters that nearly 60 percent vote was cast in the elections to Cumilla City Corporation (CCC).