DHAKA: Bangladesh goes to the polls on Sunday (today) after nearly two years of emergency rule. Here are key facts about the vote:

— More than 81 million people are eligible to vote, about half of them young voters. Women voters outnumber men for the first time.

— Over 1,500 candidates, including about 50 women, are in the fray for 300 seats in parliament. About half the candidates are independents.

— Counting will start soon after voting ends and initial results are expected by Dec 30.

— To guard against fraud, the Election Commission has compiled a fresh list of voters, provided photographic identity cards, and will use transparent ballot boxes.—Reuters