A testament of democracy

The 12th Parliamentary Election in Bangladesh stands as a testament to the nation's commitment to democracy, reflecting the importance of free and fair elections in shaping the destiny of a nation. This pivotal event not only underscores the principles laid out in the Constitution but also highlights the challenges faced in upholding the democratic process. From the participation of the people to the role of political parties, the Election Commission's reforms, the constitutional safeguards for democracy, and the intricacies of international and national conspiracies, this election unfolded as a critical chapter in the journey of Bangladesh towards progress and development.

The Democratic Spirit of Bangladesh’s Constitution:

At the heart of Bangladesh's democratic framework lies its constitution, a document that not only serves as a legal foundation but also embodies the aspirations and principles of the nation. The constitution, while establishing the democratic structure, emphasises the importance of safeguarding the rights of citizens, particularly their right to vote. The People's Republic of Bangladesh's constitution, in Article 118, authorises the formation of an independent election commission to hold free and fair elections, including the parliamentary election. In addition, no other branch of government has any authority over the Commission. This guarantees the commission's ability to fulfill its obligations without hindrance. Moreover, public scrutiny of the entire electoral process is allowed. This contributes to a fair and free election process.

People’s Voting Rights:

The cornerstone of any democratic process is the active participation of the people. The active participation of citizens showcases a collective understanding that the destiny of the nation is shaped by the choices made through the ballot box. Bangladesh, with its vibrant and diverse population, witnessed a fervent exercise of the citizens' voting rights in the previous parliamentary elections. The people of Bangladesh expect to exercise their voting rights properly in the upcoming 12th Parliamentary election, which is going to be held in 2024. The right to vote in Bangladesh is ensured in the Constitution of Bangladesh, specifically Article 122, which states that "the elections to Parliament shall be based on adult franchise." This means that all Bangladeshi citizens who are 18 years of age or older are eligible to vote. Apart from this, Article 11 of the Constitution further reinforces that no citizen faces discrimination in exercising their voting rights and citizens have effective participation to elect their representatives in administration freely. The republic will be democratic in nature. In addition to the constitution, the right to vote in Bangladesh is also protected by the Voter List Act, 2009. It is a comprehensive law governing the preparation, revision, and maintenance of the voter list in Bangladesh. It outlines the procedures for registering to vote as well as the qualifications for eligibility to vote. The law also establishes the Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC) as the sole authority responsible for managing the voter list. In the upcoming 12th Parliamentary Election, there are enlisted 12 crore voters and among them 3 crore are young voters. All of these voters are waiting to practice their voting rights in this election to support the continuation of progress and development towards a Sonar Bangla.

Political Parties for the Protection of Democratic Process:

Political parties play a crucial role in the democratic process, and their conduct profoundly influences the credibility of an election. A crucial aspect of ensuring a credible election is the fair conduct of political parties in the election process, refraining from malpractices and upholding the democratic values that form the foundation of the nation. In addition, the political parties must attend parliamentary elections to continue the democratic process in any country. For example, the leading political party of Bangladesh is contributing greatly to protecting democracy in Bangladesh till today. The Awami League, since its inception in 1949, has played a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of the country and has consistently championed democratic ideals through its actions and policies. The Awami League was founded on the principles of democracy, social justice, and the rights of the common people. From the outset, the party has been committed to upholding the democratic values that form the bedrock of Bangladesh's political system. The Awami League was founded on the principles of democracy, social justice, and the rights of the common people. From the outset, the party has been committed to upholding the democratic values that form the bedrock of Bangladesh's political system. In addition, through amendments to the constitution and other reforms, the party has worked towards creating a robust and inclusive framework that ensures the protection of individual rights and the rule of law. The Awami League has actively participated in electoral processes, consistently seeking mandates from the people. By engaging in free and fair elections, the party has demonstrated its commitment to democratic principles, allowing citizens to express their will through the ballot box. Recognising that a thriving democracy goes beyond political processes, the Awami League has prioritised social and economic development. By implementing policies that address poverty, education, and healthcare, the party has sought to create an environment conducive to democratic values and the well-being of the population.

Election Commission Reforms:

The government of Sheikh Hasina is proceeding with elections through an independent election commission, following the national constitution. This approach is similar to how governments in power organise fair elections worldwide. For example, the new EC has also made several improvements to the election process, including expanding the number of polling places and simplifying the voter registration procedure. Additionally, the Election Commission Act of 2022 was passed by the government. Moreover, the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners are chosen by the government based on a consultative procedure involving multiple stakeholders. The selection procedure has made the EC more credible to the people of Bangladesh and the international community. To oversee the election, the EC has invited foreign observers for election. This will support the participation, freedom, and fairness of the election. Finally, elections are conducted independently by the EC. As a result, the EC is not subject to governmental control and is free to make decisions without being unduly influenced by the executive branch. It gives the Election Commission the freedom to decide independently about electoral procedures, staffing, budgetary allocation, and other administrative issues.

Apart from this, in Bangladesh, the Election Commission of Bangladesh (EC) stands as the sentinel of this right, ensuring fair and transparent elections that uphold the democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution. Established in 1972, the EC is an independent constitutional body tasked with organising, conducting, and supervising all elections in the country.

Absence of any Party: Not an Issue for Credible Elections

It is important to note that the inclusivity of the electoral process, where all major parties participate, is a positive sign of democracy but it is not a mandatory requirement for a credible election. In a democracy, the absence of any single party should not be viewed as a major obstacle to conducting a fair and representative election. A credible election is one where all eligible parties have the opportunity to participate and the people can choose their representatives freely. The absence of any party does not diminish the significance of the election as long as the process adheres to democratic principles and represents the will of the people. There is a possibility that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) might not participate in the upcoming parliamentary election, but if the citizens come to the election booths to practice their voting rights to choose their representatives.

National and international conspiracy:

While democracy is a beacon of hope, it is not immune to external and internal challenges. The 12th Parliamentary Election in Bangladesh is facing its share of national and international conspiracies. Such attempts to undermine the democratic process can take various forms, including disinformation campaigns, economic sanctions, political disturbance, sabotage of public properties, cyber threats, and external interference. Bangladesh is projected to become the 26th largest economy in the world by 2030, according to a report by Hong Kong Shanghai Banking Corporation-HSBC.

The country's economy is expected to rise 16 levels between 2018 and 2030, surpassing other countries like the Philippines, Pakistan, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Bangladesh's potential for growth is greater than Norway, making it an attractive investment area. However, a group is questioning these achievements and trying to pull the country back again. Bangladesh is a victim of domestic and foreign conspiracies, with America threatening to issue a visa ban due to the upcoming national elections. The next national parliament election will be held under the Sheikh Hasina government, which promises a free, fair, and impartial election. As the USA seeks to dominate the global economy and politics, it should maintain good relations with Bangladesh. For this, America should work with Bangladesh on its initiative, avoiding sanctions and maintaining friendship.

However, national unity and a collective commitment to democratic values are proved to be the strongest defense against external influences seeking to disrupt the electoral and democratic process. The Election Commission's cooperation with international monitoring bodies will exemplify Bangladesh's commitment to adhering to global standards of free and fair elections.

The writer is a distinguished senior professor, researcher, academic teaching advisor with extensive experience in ICT sector and a prominent writer.