Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) expressed concern that the upcoming 12th national election would not reflect the people's will as it would not be truly participatory polls.
Referring to previous polls in 2014 and 2018 and citing the so-far pre-poll atmosphere for the next one in January 2024, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said, "The right to vote will not be established. It will also be impossible to secure public confidence."
At a press conference in Dhaka on Thursday, TIB recommended ensuring democratic values, good governance and integrity for the benefit of the country.
Despite ongoing protests and a boycott by the main opposition party BNP and allies, the Election Commission announced the schedule for the upcoming national election on 15 November.
The BNP, along with its allies, has been demanding a caretaker government to oversee the polls, citing concerns about the impartiality of the current administration.
Over the election-time caretaker government demand, BNP and its allies boycotted the 2014 elections. Though the party subsequently took part in 2018 polls, widespread allegations of electoral frauds and irregularities marred that elections.
For the upcoming polls slated for January 7 next year, Thursday was the deadline for submitting nomination papers, and over 30 parties, including the ruling Awami League and the Jatiya Party, have registered to contest the elections.
Dr Iftekharuzzaman said, "Upon reviewing the period before and after the announcement of the upcoming national election schedule, it seems to us that what we mean by participatory election is unlikely to take place this time."
"This is a matter of great concern. We believe it is challenging to conduct an election that is founded on the principles of voting rights and can instil public confidence in the electoral process," he maintained.
The TIB executive director suggested amending Article 70 of the Constitution to create opportunities for parliament members to propose dissent, engage in discussions and vote against their respective parties in all other areas except the motion of no-confidence and budget making.
He commented that after being elected, the prime minister should resign from the party position to perform parliamentary and executive duties in an unbiased and transparent manner. At the programme, the organisation also placed 76 recommendations for fostering democracy, institutionalising democratic values and practices, establishing an effective parliament, promoting good governance and upholding integrity in the activities of political parties.
TIB suggested changing Article 91(A) of the People's Representation Order (Amendment) Act 2023, which curtailed the Election Commission's power by eliminating its authority to annul the entire result of a specific parliamentary seat.
Besides, the organisation recommended precisely defining the pre-election codes of conduct for ministers and parliamentarians to ensure equal opportunities for all parties and candidates in their campaigns, ensuring a fair playing field in the national election.
TIB also suggested reintroducing the 'No' vote in both national and local elections.
"We have been practising the parliamentary system for half a century. Now it is time to adopt a system with proportional representation in the parliament. Ensuring free, fair and impartial election is crucial to make the parliamentary system effective," said Dr Iftekharuzzaman.
"Therefore, there is a need for an unbiased and nonpartisan role of the election-time government and all other stakeholders, particularly the administration and law-enforcement agencies," he added.
TIB Adviser - Executive Management Dr. Sumaiya Khair, Outreach and Communication Division Director Sheikh Manjur-E-Alam, and Research and Policy Division Director Muhammad Badiuzzaman attended the press conference, among others.
TIB Research Associate Kawsher Ahamed presented the recommendations.
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