Photo: Messenger
The Election Commission (EC) is gearing up for the 12th national parliamentary elections scheduled for January 7, amidst a significant hurdle – the obvious absence of the country's main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). This development poses a formidable challenge for the EC to ensure the polls’ inclusivity and acceptance across the political spectrum.
Despite the announcement of the election schedule and the active participation of the ruling Awami League and several other political entities in the nomination process, the BNP and a faction of Jatiya Party led by Rowshan Ershad have opted to boycott the upcoming elections.
The decision by these major players to abstain from participating has raised concerns about the legitimacy and representativeness of the electoral process.
International pressures have also mounted on Bangladesh, with entities such as the United Nations, the European Union, and the United States consistently advocating for participatory elections. The global community's insistence on an inclusive electoral process places the EC in a precarious position, intensifying the need for the commission to conduct an election acceptable not only domestically but also on the international stage.
Political analysts are skeptical about the perceived participatory nature of the upcoming elections, pointing out that the absence of the BNP could undermine the credibility and acceptance of the polls among the general public and the global community.
Bashir Ahmed, a Professor of Government and Politics at Jahangirnagar University and a prominent political analyst, expressed his concerns about the current situation.
“In this current situation, the EC is undeniably under challenge. As the BNP opts out of the election, it fails to capture the spontaneity and inclusivity required for a truly representative electoral process,” Professor Bashir Ahmed told The Daily Messenger.
Meanwhile, after the European Union (EU) meeting with the EC last Wednesday (November 29), Charles Whiteley, the EU ambassador appointed in Dhaka, said that the European Union (EU) expects to see a democratic, credible, peaceful and participatory election in Bangladesh. He said that they think that the whole world expects such an election.
Besides, there is no plan to send any observers to the Bangladesh National parliamentary elections on January 7, according to Stephen Dujarric, the spokesperson of the UN Secretary-General. At the same time, he called upon all concerned parties to ensure that the people of Bangladesh can express their opinions freely.
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, the Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) told The Daily Messenger, “Observing the situation before and after the announcement of the schedule, we have a deep impression that we are not seeing what is meant by participatory elections.”
“Bringing all the parties to the polls was the first challenge for the EC. They (the government) did not succeed there. Now those who are participating in the election, there should be a fair voting environment. That is a bigger challenge for the EC,” he added.
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman further said, “We think, maybe it will be possible to complete this election. Through this, it will be an opportunity to determine who will be in power. But in the real sense, the election of the people’s right to vote cannot be guaranteed. I think it will be impossible to ensure trust.”
Meanwhile, the chief election commissioner and other election commissioners have given various statements regarding the international pressure, which has created some confusion and anxiety in the public mind.
Last Monday (November 27), Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal said, “Our elections have been interfered with from outside. They spread their paws. In order to protect many things including the country’s economy and future, the next national election must be free, fair, and acceptable.”
Regarding the various statements made by the United States in the run-up to the election, the CEC said, “To save my people, to save my garments, the demand of our people and outsiders as well, they did not demand much; their only demand is that the upcoming general election of Bangladesh should be free fair.”
However, in an event in Rangamati on the same day, Election Commissioner Anisur Rahman said, “There is no foreign pressure regarding the election. More than 50 countries have submitted requests to send election observers to us so far. We want observers from more countries to come.”
The next day in Shariatpur in an exchange meeting, Election Commissioner Md Alamgir delivered a similar statement. He said, “There is no global pressure in the 12th national parliament election. They asked us how our preparation is, we told them our preparation. Voters will vote for whoever they want in the festive atmosphere of the election.”
Messenger/Sun Yath
