Upazila elections and democracy!

The third phase of the upazila elections was not held properly, as claimed by the Election Working Group (EWG), a non-government body comprising 27 non-government organisations. Around 2500 observers were recruited in the 81 upazilas. They have found so many anomalies in the elections.
Voters in 38 upazilas were threatened by the ruling party supporters; campaigns were conducted in 34 upazilas during the prohibited time; and in 10 upazilas voters were barred to cast their votes. Poling agents in 77 centres were forced to leave the centres, observers of seven upazilas could not enter 8 centres and in 90 centres of 49 upazilas observers were not allowed to perform their duties during the counting of votes. In many centres counting started before the voting time ended.
It is great concern that during the last few years, particularly during the tenure of caretaker government, people could peacefully cast their votes and did not get threatened by any quarter. But now the situation has turned worse and vote rigging has become common.
In the mean time, the ruling party has come to power through a one sided election which is a threat to democracy. Many of the leaders of main opposition party are burdened with false cases and many are languishing behind the bars. Under the circumstances, can we hope for any trace of democracy in the country?
Sheuly Haque
Sirajganj
sheuly.haque@gmail.com