Photo : Collected
In a significant development, the ruling Awami League is contemplating the possibility of not endorsing party candidates in the upcoming Upazila Parishad elections, a move aimed at preventing intra-party divisions.
This decision would mean abstaining from assigning the party symbol to any candidate, allowing individuals within the party to vote independently, similar to independent candidates.
Even party leaders and activists would have the liberty to vote for candidates of their choice, according to insiders.
The Awami League has not finalised its decision on whether to use the party symbol in the Upazila elections, as party chief Sheikh Hasina has not made a final call on the matter. The issue is still under discussion within the party. Until the party chief provides a verdict, it remains unclear whether the Upazila Parishad elections will be conducted under the party banner or not, insiders revealed.
In addition, the party has convened a meeting of its central working committee, the highest policy-making body. The meeting is scheduled for today at the residence of the party chief and Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, at Ganobhaban in the capital.
Regarding the matter, AL Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim said, “This issue is currently under discussion within the party. We have presented our recommendations to the party forum, and now it is at the discretion of our party chief, Sheikh Hasina, whether she will accept our suggestions or not.”
He further commented, “Until political parties, including BNP, participate spontaneously in local government elections, the polls should be conducted in a non-partisan manner.”
Meanwhile, opposition parties, including the BNP, are speculated not to participate in local government elections under party affiliations. In this scenario, the significance of providing or withholding party endorsement in the elections is not deemed crucial within the Awami League. Rather, supporting one candidate is seen as opposition to others, potentially heightening internal divisions.
As for the possibility of boycotting another election following the rejection of the 12th National Parliamentary Election, the BNP has not yet discussed the matter. The party leaders are presently prioritising post-election movements, including protests and the release of detained leaders and activists. In this context, there is a belief that the likelihood of the BNP formally participating in the Upazila Parishad elections is low.
During a recent joint meeting with central leaders of the Awami League, the party's General Secretary Obaidul Quader, urged central leaders not to endorse party candidates in the upcoming local government elections. At this juncture, Obaidul Quader expressed his intention to discuss the matter with the party chief Sheikh Hasina.
Sources within the Awami League indicate that central leaders have long expressed dissatisfaction with party endorsement of candidates in local government elections. This discontent extends to the involvement of ministers and parliament members in campaigning for local government elections. Party leaders are concerned that endorsing candidates may lead to internal divisions, potentially escalating during the campaign and resulting in accusations of expanding influence in the election.
Mahbubul Alam Hanif, the joint general secretary of the Awami League, has stated that many central leaders are advocating against endorsing party candidates in the Upazila elections.
The matter will be formally discussed in the today’s working committee meeting, but the final decision will rest with the party chief.
Talking over the issue, AL presidium member Jahangir Kabir Nanak said, "The internal division within the party has surfaced because of independent candidates during the national elections. Even post-voting, conflicts persist. The decision to endorse party symbols in local elections could potentially escalate internal conflicts within the party. Choosing not to endorse party symbols is viewed as a measure to alleviate tensions within the party."
The fifth upazila parishad elections were held in 2019. The Election Commission is preparing to announce the schedule for the sixth Upazila Parishad election within this week.
As per the Election Commission, the voter turnout in the latest elections is lower than any time in the past. Historically, voter turnout in Upazila Parishad elections has ranged from 60% to 70%. The latest Upazila election witnessed a voter turnout of approximately 40.22%.
Messenger/Disha
