The Election Commission (EC) is challenging all-party participatory elections although they say that it is not their responsibility to bring political parties to the polls but the responsibility to create an acceptable environment is theirs and that of the political parties who did not come to the polls.

Discussions have started in various circles around the upcoming national parliament elections. After the foreign diplomats expressed their opinion about the vote, there is a discussion and criticism about it in the political arena.

Meanwhile, EC is working on the roadmap for the polls. They are facing the challenge of how to conduct the upcoming parliamentary elections in a peaceful environment. During the elections, the administration is completely under the control of the EC.

Some political parties including BNP are questioning what will be the role of the government during the election.

But ruling party's clear statement, they will not go beyond the current constitution in any way. The vote will be held under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. EC is enjoying its independence as per the constitution. The administration remains under the Election Commission during elections. So there will be no problem with voting.

BNP does not agree with this opinion of the ruling party. They are protesting to foreign and domestic diplomats.

Badiul Alam Majumdar, Secretary of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Shujan) told Bangladesh Pratidin, “Participatory elections are not enough. Elections should be participatory and competitive. Because 2018 elections were participatory but it was not competitive, acceptable or not fair-neutral. If the election is not competitive, it is not acceptable.”

“Many stakeholders play an important role in making elections fair. The first of these is the Election Commission. Because, the impartiality and efficiency of the EC is a big factor. Second is the government. Government means administration and law enforcement. If they play an equal and impartial role with the Election Commission, then there can be a fair election.”

“Thirdly, there is also the role of mass media. If the media can perform its duties impartially and properly without pressure, then elections can be fair. Fourth is civil society. They can make voters aware. Can raise the issue before the public. Affidavits of candidates may be circulated. These are the most important stakeholders,” he added.

Professor Dr. Gobinda Chakraborty, department of political science, University of Dhaka told Bangladesh Pratidin, “Elections in Bangladesh have always been challenging. Because in all the elections that have been held since 1973, there have been allegations of vote rigging, gross rigging and subtle rigging.”

“Democracy is about consent. The question is, all citizens can choose their representative or not? That's why they can vote or not? It is very important to confirm this. To ensure this, only the EC is not enough. The willingness of political parties to come to the polls is important.”

“There can be many disputes with EC. There may be controversy. But the EC should see that the people can vote in their own way, beautifully. EC should look into these matters,” he said.

“It is not the only responsibility of the EC to bring all the political parties to the elections. The main responsibility of them is to ensure that all the voters come to vote. An environment has to be created for this,” he added.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) hopes for political agreement:

CEC Kazi Habibul Awal is hoping for a political agreement 'within the next few months' ahead of the 12th parliamentary elections. Along with that, he did not give up hope on the participation of all parties in the vote.

He said this after exchanging views with the leaders of the election monitoring forum at the election building in Agargaon on Thursday afternoon. A few foreign observers were also present in the delegation.

CEC said that if the two major parties of the country continue to stand firm on the issue of how the election will be managed, there is concern about the acceptance of votes and the post-election situation.

Expressing optimism that there will be a political compromise on the election issue before the next election, the CEC said, “I hope we will see a political compromise in the next few months and all the parties will participate in the elections." We have been told by various parties that they also believe there will be an agreement.”

"We are also optimistic. The upcoming elections will be held in a free, impartial and festive atmosphere and in a productive manner.”

“As election was not accepted, a law and order situation was created. People are in danger. The law and order situation deteriorated. That's what I'm saying. We do not want this kind of situation,” he said.

Kazi Habibul Awal mentioned that EC wants to show that the next election has been free, impartial and credible in the country and in the international arena.

“But some challenges still remain. The division between the various parties is based on... Elections will be according to the Constitution. Elections will be during the tenure of the Supervisor. It has not been resolved yet. But the two parties are still in a stubborn position on this question,” he said.

“If the election is in deadlock and none of the major parties participate, I would say as the CEC, there could be a risk on the main outcome of the election.”

“We will conduct elections according to the provisions of the constitution which is currently in place. That's how we have to choose. Likewise, we expect all political parties, the major political parties, to participate in the elections.”

Observers want the elections to be peaceful and impartial:

Election Monitoring Forum-EMF has expressed hope that the 12th parliamentary elections will be peaceful and impartial. A nine-member delegation was present at the hour-long meeting with the CEC.

Apart from the IMF members, the representatives of Germany, Nepal and India, who were visiting Bangladesh to participate in the human rights program at the invitation of the organization, also participated in the meeting.

After the meeting Jhala Nath Khanal former prime minister of Nepal said, “We have met the CEC and other commissioners. It is a great opportunity for mutual exchange of views. We hope the Election Commission will try for a peaceful and impartial election. All citizens shall exercise their right to vote peacefully.”

@ The article was published on print and online versions of The Bangladesh Pratidin on February 24, 2023 and has been rewritten in English by Tanvir Raihan.