Public opinion on Narayanganj polls

Both print and electronic media have been buzzing of late on the upcoming Narayanganj City Corporation local elections to be held on October 30. The Election Commission (EC) is doing all it can so that the poll may be held in a free and fair atmosphere. It ought to be mentioned that in local polls there exist no provision for candidates to receive direct support from any political party, and it is with great regret we witness both the incumbent and opposition parties openly flouting this rule by throwing their weight against favoured candidates! Senior party leaders are campaigning and commenting on their behalf, which shows total disregard for existing laws. Being a student of Political Science and law, the question that looms large in my mind is whether the government, had it so desired, could not have made an example of the upcoming poll, as a 100% free and fair election, to be regarded as a model in our local election history. Efforts could have been taken to strengthen our local government structure that could serve as a milestone for other such elections in the future. People are the source of all power, who should neither be motivated nor coerced into casting their ballots in a biased manner. From what we have seen in the several TV interviews, the majority of voters are saying that political leaders only appear at the time of election and once election is over they disappear from view not to be seen again. It is thus the view of voters that public representatives of neither government nor opposition should interfere in the local election at all, so that the examined and qualified candidates can be selected by the local voters that are known intimately by them. Such practice can improve the electoral atmosphere, one that is more democratic and paves the way for local development. Neither muscle power nor black money can produce any significant role in social or local development. In this context, I would like to place a question to the EC why is the pilot project of using Electronic Voting Machine being used partially in the elections and why is its introduction so necessary in this crucial local election? It would undoubtedly have been better if the EC had first tested out the pilot project in the smaller local elections like Union Parishad and then gradually introduced it to city and upcoming general election on the basis of the success of the new system. We have to keep in mind that by-and-large, the majority people are still illiterate. Again, as a student of journalism I must say that the media has a greater role to play within their jurisdiction. In such elections they must highlight peoples' hopes and desires in a neutral fashion. Finally, quoting one of the election commissioner's remark recently where he said " This is our last election in our tenure, so we would like it to be a free and fair election", we, the humble citizens, also desire that law enforcing agencies will also be directed to provide the full support security to the voters in order to cast their valuable votes enthusiastically, and without interference. The writer can be rached at email: milton_goodluck2000@yahoo.co.in