Photo : Collected
The low turnout observed in the initial phase of the upazila elections has prompted concern within the ruling party, Awami League, as well as the Election Commission. In response, the EC has issued special directives to field-level officials to undertake initiatives aimed at boosting voter participation. Additionally, the central leadership of the Awami League has urged grassroots supporters to mobilise voters and encourage them to cast their ballots.
EC officials have emphasized the importance of not only ensuring fair voting but also actively encouraging people to visit polling stations. Awami League leaders attribute the low turnout in the first phase to concurrent activities such as the paddy harvesting season. Consequently, instructions have been relayed to grassroots party members to enhance voter turnout in the subsequent phases.
The Election Commission (EC) has opted to conduct the sixth upazila parishad election in four phases. The elections are set to take place in 476 upazilas out of the total 495 across the country. The remaining 19 upazila parishads, whose terms have not yet concluded, will undergo elections later, as confirmed by the EC. The first phase of voting occurred on May 8 in 139 upazilas, with subsequent rounds scheduled for May 23, 29, and June 5.
The voter turnout in the first phase of the Upazila Parishad elections stood at only 36.1 percent, which is lower than the turnout observed in the last national parliamentary election. This decline in voter participation has sparked discussions across various sectors, both domestically and internationally, with media outlets weighing in on the matter.
Addressing the issue, the Chief Election Commissioner acknowledged that several factors, including the ongoing paddy harvesting season, have contributed to the decrease in voter turnout this time around. Despite the various arguments surrounding the issue, increasing voter participation remains a top priority for the Election Commission.
The Election Commission (EC) convened a monthly coordination meeting on May 9, immediately following the first phase of elections. Simultaneously, EC field-level officers were deployed nationwide. During these meetings, thirty deviations observed during the first phase of the Upazila Parishad elections were identified, and directives were issued to ensure that subsequent phases are conducted fairly and efficiently.
Officials were instructed to expedite the election process by collaborating closely with field administration officials. Moreover, there was a directive to intensify efforts to enhance voter turnout. Several officials noted that the EC expressed concern over the low voter turnout, prompting these instructions to address the issue.
In response to concerns over the low voter turnout, EC Secretary Md. Jahangir Alam expressed worry, emphasising the need for a concerted effort to address the issue. He disclosed that discussions regarding any shortcomings in the initial phase took place during the monthly meeting on May 9. Additionally, directives were issued to intensify campaigning efforts aimed at mobilising voters.
Meanwhile, in this year's upazila elections, candidates from the Awami League are actively engaged in campaigning. However, the party's allies appear to be less involved in the electoral process. On the other hand, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced a boycott of the elections, leading to the expulsion of over 150 party leaders who chose to participate in the polls.
In this election, the ruling Awami League has adopted a strategic approach by allowing candidates to contest in the upazila elections without using the party symbol. This decision aims to encourage higher voter turnout at the polling centers and to enhance acceptability among the general populace. Additionally, the Awami League has instructed party ministers and Members of Parliament (MPs) to refrain from involving their family members and relatives in the electoral process. This measure is intended to ensure that the election remains free from undue influence.
Despite implementing various strategies and instructions aimed at increasing voter turnout at polling stations, the ruling party has observed a persistently low voter turnout. Consequently, the party has issued instructions to focus on boosting voter numbers at the centers. A directive has been relayed from the party's central leadership to the grassroots level, urging them to ensure that both party leaders and ordinary citizens participate in the voting process.
BM Mozammel Haque, the organising secretary of the Awami League, highlighted that the decline in voter turnout may be attributed to the early paddy harvesting season. Therefore, in the upcoming phases of the elections, leaders have been tasked with raising awareness among party workers, supporters, and the general public about the importance of voting.
Messenger/Fameema
