Escalating violence in upazila polls

We observed with great anxiety that the third phase of the ongoing upazila elections was marked by escalating violence. Three persons were killed and many more injured in election related violence in different parts of the country. The third phase of the polls held on March 15 was also marked by ballot box stuffing, vandalizing and capturing of polling centres. Extensive violence led to suspension of polling by the election commission in a number of polling centres as well as boycott of polls by a number of contesting candidates.

Irregularities and violence also marked the first and the second phase of elections but the third-phase of the elections outweighed the previous two phases in terms of violence and irregularities. The first phase of the polls in mid-February had been somewhat peaceful; the second phase witnessed violent clashes at various places and death of one person. If this trend continues, it is indeed worrisome.

The Election Commission, as usual, said that the third phase polling on Saturday was 'peaceful and fair' and the irregularities and violence that took place were 'isolated incidents.' Such claims by the EC can not be accepted as responsible statements, since we witnessed loss of valuable lives. What degree of violence is needed to term the polls chaotic and unfair? Rather than remaining contented, the commission must take preventive measures to arrest the worsening situation that we apprehend would further escalate during the following phases of the polls. The election commission also should find out the root of election violence and take precautions.

Sayeed Saklayen

Roumari, Kurigram