Ensuring a free and fair election

FE Team | Published: December 19, 2018 20:42:44

In less than two weeks, the parliamentary election will be held in Bangladesh. All the political parties are going to take part in the election.
All concerned have some responsibilities ahead of the election. The Election Commission needs to be neutral in order to ensure a free and fair election. Contesting candidates should refrain from making provocative statements during electioneering. They should abide by electoral code of conduct.
The voters want a peaceful environment during the day of the election on December 30, so that they can easily go and cast their votes, without any fear. Voters themselves need to have the courage to go to the polling centres to cast their votes. They should also not be intimidated or influenced by any quarters.
I hope that the government will also play an important role at maintaining law and order during the election and after it. Through this election, Bangladesh has the potential to show to the world that free and fair election can take place in Bangladesh with a party government at the helm.
Nazim Khondaker
nazimfen@gmail.com