Bangladesh is gearing up for its upcoming national election, which is just a few months down the road. The market, characterized by its economic and political facets, is heating up in anticipation. It’s worth keeping in mind that the period leading up to January holds the potential for dramatic changes, with numerous pivotal factors at play that could impact the election’s outcome.
The bedrock of a thriving democracy within any society hinges on the process of electing representatives who will advocate for the interests of the people in various forums, including Parliament and other deliberative bodies. The exclusive process by which people can make this selection with transparency and in accordance with democratic principles is through elections orchestrated by an impartial institution, commonly recognized as the Election Commission.
When questioned about the Election Commission’s capacity to enhance the voting atmosphere, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal stated, “I can’t provide a quick answer to this inquiry.”
Chief Election Commissioner’s Response to Allegations by Opposition Parties
In response to queries from the media, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) stated, “Assessing the polling environment is a complex task; I can’t provide a quick answer right now. We will, however, diligently monitor the polling conditions. This is what we call projection. The elections may take place in three or six months, but we must maintain our vigilance in our assessment or projection.”
On Monday, he articulated this while speaking with the media at the election building in Agargaon, of the capital.
Election Commission’s Authority Regarding the Prime Minister’s Activities
When asked about the Election Commission’s authority to comment on the Prime Minister’s actions during official visits or while seeking votes during government work, the CEC responded, “I require more time to address this query adequately.” This has sparked widespread discussions about the upcoming election, with the BNP, Awami League, and Jatiya Party all expressing their perspectives.
The CEC added that if the Prime Minister explicitly instructs people to vote only for their party, the Commission may consider intervening. Despite the various parties seeking votes, this issue hasn’t been thoroughly examined in such a context.
Action Against Biased Deputy Commissioners
Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal stated today that the commission is committed to ensuring that deputy commissioners do not exhibit any bias in their work. In a statement given to the media at the EC office in Agargaon, he made it clear that the commission would respond decisively to any signs of partiality in the conduct or decisions of District Commissioners.
As per his statement, the government decided to replace the Jamalpur DC after the EC approached the cabinet secretary with the request. “Concurrently, we’ve instructed all deputy commissioners to stay on high alert. This decision has been made to prioritize the upcoming election, bolster public confidence, and foster collaboration between the Election Commission and the government,” emphasized Kazi Habibul Awal.
EC’s Pre-Election Jurisdiction
CEC further emphasized that the EC’s jurisdiction extends to sending such letters even prior to the official declaration of the election schedule. During national elections, the role of returning officers is carried out by DCs. The CEC has stated that the election commission is closely observing the situation in preparation for the upcoming 12th parliamentary polls.
Monitoring the Election Situation
The objectives of election monitoring are:
- To assess adherence to electoral rules and regulations.
- To oversee and report on incidents of violence or any illicit activities.
- To gauge the enthusiastic participation of voters, with a special focus on women voters.
The Central Election Commission (CEC) highlighted that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her colleagues in the government have made an unprecedented commitment to fair elections, breaking new ground in government promises for electoral integrity. It’s the first instance of such a promise from the government.
In Awal’s view, there are allegations suggesting that the Election Commission is misleading the public. He strongly believes that the Commission is not characterized by cowardice or unethical behavior.
The Relevance of Bangladesh’s Future National Poll
Elections are being boycotted by the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) as a strategy to negotiate concessions from the government in terms of election management. Both the BNP and the ruling Awami League (AL) are conducting extensive rallies nationwide to rally their respective supporters. However, amidst this chaotic political backdrop, there is a scarcity of accessible polling data to comprehend the current state of the race.
The configuration of Bangladesh’s electoral administration, the resilience of the political opposition, and the influence of U.S. diplomacy will be critical focal points leading up to the highly significant upcoming election in Bangladesh. Not since December 2008 has Bangladesh conducted a national election that garnered widespread acceptance from all sides involved.
In the event that the 2024 election experiences setbacks, Bangladesh might face another five years of deeply divided and occasionally tumultuous political rivalry before the next parliamentary contest ensues. Irrespective of the election’s outcome this winter, Bangladesh is in dire need of a credible electoral process to reset its political landscape and rebuild trust in its democratic institutions among its citizens.
Bangladesh is on the brink of a crucial national election, and the anticipation and preparations surrounding it are intensifying. The Commission’s commitment to ensuring the impartiality of deputy commissioners and its assertion of jurisdiction even before the official election schedule is a sign of its dedication to a fair electoral process. Regardless of the outcome, Bangladesh urgently needs a credible electoral process to rebuild trust in its democratic institutions and ensure the stability of its political landscape. The coming months will be crucial in determining the path that Bangladesh will take towards its democratic future.
