Fair Votes: The Essence Of Credible Elections In Bangladesh – OpEd

As the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the opposition party, has declared its decision to abstain from the forthcoming 12th National Assembly elections, public discourse surrounding the election has taken various directions. The BNP’s choice to refrain from participating in the electoral process was anticipated, given its ongoing demand for the current government’s resignation and the reinstatement of a caretaker government to oversee the National Assembly elections. In response, the ruling party, Awami League, dismissed the BNP’s demand, asserting that the upcoming parliamentary elections would proceed under the existing government in adherence to constitutional provisions.

Despite the BNP attempts to generate international pressure on the current government for negotiations, aimed at ensuring a free, fair, and credible election, these efforts have proven unsuccessful. The government has remained steadfast and not yielded to any external pressure. Consequently, since October 29, the BNP has resorted to political tactics such as hartals and blockades, asserting their intent to disrupt the election at any cost. However, the party finds itself in a state of uncertainty following the Election Commission’s announcement of the election schedule.

In an attempt to create a sense of fear and urgency, party members have engaged in activities such as setting vehicles on fire during programs like hartals and blockades. Despite these endeavors, the party’s limited organizational strength has hindered its ability to exert significant influence on the government. Consequently, the BNP faces a political deadlock as a party. Nevertheless, despite the challenges, there remains a prevailing confidence among citizens that the country’s electoral process will proceed without significant disruption.

In this context, a pivotal question arises: Can the Election Commission (EC) effectively ensure a free, fair, and credible election in the country? The EC’s activities, starting from the initiation of the electoral journey with the announcement of the election schedule, have illustrated its unwavering commitment to conducting credible elections. Several administrative decisions made by the EC have garnered widespread support from the general public, underscoring the Commission’s dedication to ensuring a fair electoral process. One notable instance is the EC’s decision to transfer Upazila Nirbahi officers in most upazilas and officers in charge of numerous police stations, a move that has received acclaim from people across diverse backgrounds. This positive reception reflects the public’s confidence in the EC’s efforts to mitigate any undue influence on the electoral process.

Furthermore, the EC has adopted a stringent stance against all candidates, including current ministers and parliamentarians, found in violation of election rules. These decisive actions strongly signal the EC’s commitment to orchestrating a fair and credible election in the country. Given the scrutiny of the Bangladesh elections by the international community, the EC is compelled to implement measures to guarantee a credible election. Consequently, it is only logical for the EC to endeavor to build the confidence of election stakeholders by orchestrating a transparent and credible electoral process, thereby avoiding any controversies.

It is worth noting that the EC has extended invitations to the party for dialogues with the BNP on multiple occasions, aiming to foster participatory elections involving all political parties. Even after the announcement of the election schedule, the EC remained open to adjusting the schedule if BNP expressed a willingness to participate. Unfortunately, it is regrettable that BNP has consistently opposed the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners since the formation of the current EC, failing to respond positively to these invitations. Consequently, the EC was unable to include them in the electoral process due to BNP’s non-affirmative response. It is important to clarify that the responsibility for this outcome does not lie with the EC.

In addition to discussions surrounding the EC, another topic related to the election is being deliberated in various forums. This issue revolves around the government’s stance in the upcoming election. Will they endeavor to influence the electoral process, or do they genuinely anticipate a credible and impartial election? I am of the opinion that even in the absence of the BNP, the government will exert maximum efforts to ensure a credible election. 

The credibility of the election holds significant importance for the ruling party, as a legitimate victory would bolster their standing. The ruling party aspires to win the election and establish a new government, building upon the substantial progress achieved through transformative initiatives over the past 15 years. Despite their accomplishments, lingering discontent surrounding the 2018 elections has left them unsettled on both national and international fronts. Consequently, the government is unlikely to take actions that might undermine its reputation in the eyes of the public and the international community.

The ruling party has embraced a political strategy aimed at fostering participatory elections, permitting rebel candidates to run independently. While this strategy may heighten internal divisions within the Awami League at the local level, the ruling party has willingly taken this risk to ensure widespread voter engagement in the elections. This decision has, however, subjected the ruling party to significant pressure from its electoral coalition, comprising 14 parties and the Jatiya Party. Coalition partners have urged the withdrawal of independent candidates associated with the ruling party, expressing concerns about potential unfavorable election outcomes. Despite these pressures, the ruling party remains resolute in its decision. Therefore, it can be unequivocally stated that the ruling party is steadfast in its commitment to conducting a credible election in the country.

A crucial question arises: what would be the repercussions if the election fails to meet the standards of being free, fair, and credible? The straightforward answer is that the international community is unlikely to accept an election lacking credibility, putting the government at risk of a legitimacy crisis. Potential economic repercussions from the international community could also adversely affect the country’s economy. Recognizing the far-reaching consequences of the election results, the government is compelled to exert its utmost efforts to collaborate with the EC in ensuring a genuinely free, fair, and credible election in the country. 

In conclusion, it is unequivocal that the citizens of Bangladesh will turn out in significant numbers on January 7, 2024, to exercise their constitutional rights and elect a government to govern the country for the next five years. Despite concerns raised from various quarters about the credibility of the elections, I hold a firm belief that the forthcoming elections will be both free, fair, and credible. The EC has demonstrated commendable progress in its efforts to ensure the credibility of the electoral process, and it is crucial for the government to continue supporting the EC. Both organizations share a common goal of conducting credible elections, and their collaborative efforts contribute to achieving this objective.