RCC polls fair, let the trend continue: Sujan

Terming the recently-held Rangpur City Corporation (RCC) polls free, fair and acceptable, Sushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Sujan) on Thursday demanded that the Election Commission (EC) continue the trend in presenting such credible elections in the future.

Leaders of the civil society platform for good governance, however, viewed that it cannot be said for sure whether the next parliamentary elections will be fair, unbiased and acceptable, unless the major political parties reach a consensus about the mode of the election-time government and dissolution of the parliament.

Sujan came up with the urge and concern at a roundtable entitled 'How to Ensure the Continuity of the Successful Election in Rangpur' organised at the National Press Club in the city.

Sujan secretary Badiul Alam Majumder, its executive member and former cabinet secretary Ali Imam Majumder, Dhaka University Professor Dr Asif Nazrul, former additional secretary Shafiul Alam, Sujan Dhaka district committee secretary Abul Hasnat spoke at the programme while Sujan central coordinator Dilip Kumar Sarker moderated it.

Presenting the keynote paper, Mr Badiul said the recent Rangpur city polls can be termed a 'genuine election' according to international laws as entire election process was somewhat fair and credible.

He said the Rangpur election was accepted by all, including political parties, civil society members and voters, because the EC conducted the election applying all its authority.

However, he also said capability, impartiality and courage of the commission are necessary but not enough to arrange an acceptable election.

"Election can't be fair and peaceful without the willingness and responsible behaviour from the government and political parties no matter how strong and impartial the commission is," Mr Badiul added.

He said a political compromise among the major political parties of the country is crucial before the next parliamentary elections.

The major political parties must arrive at a consensus on the election-time government and dissolution of the parliament, he added.

Mr Ali Imam said the EC was successful in holding last Rangpur and Comilla city corporation elections using its independence.

But, deployment of military forces might be needed during the 11th national elections, he added.

Mr Nazrul said, "I can't stay hopeful seeing the success of Rangpur elections because polls to five city corporations were held successfully before the 10th national polls but the national election was not participatory."

He also said it will not be that easy for a government to influence the national elections if it is an inclusive one with participation of all political parties.

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