An election amidst political stalemate and worries

The nation goes to 12th parliamentary polls today (Sunday) amidst an unprecedented political standoff. More than 119 million people, nearly half of whom are women, are supposed to exercise their voting rights in an election boycotted by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and some other like-minded parties. These parties, in addition to urging the people to stay away from voting, have announced disruptive programmes like a 48-hour shutdown, ending at 6 am tomorrow (Monday). The Election Commission and the incumbent government, as a counter move, are determined to hold a 'free, fair and credible' election. Thus, a charged atmosphere has aroused concerns among the electorates. Poll-centric violence and some acts of sabotage, including arson, have made the situation tense. Death and injuries in clashes between the ruling party and independent candidates (most independents however belong to the ruling party) during electioneering and the fire incident involving the Benapole Express train on Friday would only heighten voters' worries. The character and composition of today's general election are known to all and hence it does not require any elaboration. What will be a matter of great import is the extent of voters' participation in the election. Political rivals have two opposing objectives, as far as voter turnout is concerned. The outcome, however, would be known at the end of the polling.
Today's election is unlike many others held in the recent past, as some major Western countries, including the USA, wanted it to be free, fair and peaceful. Even China, Russia and India have expressed their interest in seeing a 'stable' Bangladesh and favoured non-interference in its 'internal matters'. Many tend to believe that outsiders' involvement has originated from their respective geopolitical interests. But what the people here wanted is an opportunity to express their free will in a free, fair and participatory election.
It is beyond doubt that one party taking part in today's election will secure majority seats in the next parliament and take over the rein of the country's administration. But none seems to have a clear idea about what would happen next. There is an air of uncertainty, which might prove extremely damaging to the economy. Most people are aware of the economic ills. Inflation has been hurting the poor, low and middle-income people for many months and there is no sign of its abatement. Issues such as dollar crunch, crisis in the banking sector, moribund stock market, capital flight etc., will deserve highest attention of the new government. Without a stable political situation, it will be difficult to address these pressing issues. In addition to a stable political environment, what will be of utmost importance is good governance and the rule of law- two important elements that so far have eluded the nation.
Regrettably, national institutions that play a very important role in ensuring good governance and the rule of law have gone through a process of degeneration over the years. Electorates would want the next government to take measures for strengthening those institutions. Undoubtedly, there have been some deep-seated problems in economic management and some major structural changes and reforms will be necessary to resolve those. Since strong resistance is feared to come from within the government and beyond to such changes and reforms, the new government will have to make determined efforts to overcome those.