<div><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><b>Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal claimed that Sunday's national election has been free, fair and neutral thanks to the government's political will, sincerity and cooperation.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>“Since the government has sincerity…..and we received the assistance as assured by the government, the election was held in free, fair and neutral manner through a coordinated effort under the partisan government,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>The CEC made the remarks at a post-polls press briefing at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city.</div><div><br></div><div>He said though there is some challenge to hold election under a partisan government as the political will of the government is needed to make the polls free, fair and non-partisan.</div><div><br></div><div>The CEC said the voter turnout might be some 40 percent in the 12th Parliamentary election.</div><div><br></div><div>“Some 40 percent voters cast their vote in today's balloting. But it may vary after gleaning all data in this regard (the final estimation),” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>In reply to a question, Habibul Awal said it can't be said right now if this election would be credible nationally and internationally, reports UNB.</div><div><br></div><div>“Whether this election would be credible nationally and internationally may be known later after the publishing its results. You people would judge it,” he said.</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>