The international community wants reform of the country's electoral system on the basis of political understanding. Their proposal is aimed at free, fair and participatory election. They are considering the views of the civil society in this regard. There are allegations of massive irregularities in the just-concluded city corporation elections. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) boycotted the elections at the mid-day of the polling day. Improvement of the electoral system is, therefore, emphasised at this stage. The US, the UK, the European Union, Australia and Canada expressed disappointment about irregularities, intimidation and violence as well as withdrawal of the BNP from the election.
The international community finds problem in the constitution of the Election Commission (EC). Critics allege that the EC has been constituted with persons supporting politics of the ruling party. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the Commission to work in a neutral manner and it conducts election as desired by the government. Election is the main strength of a democratic government. If people can not vote freely, then how will their representatives be elected? Bangladesh will have to observe how the EC is constituted in India and how they conduct the election. They will also have to follow/observe the election system in developed countries.
The Election Commission will not be strengthened unless we follow the system in those countries. Unless the EC is strengthened, election will not be free and fair. If the polls are not free, people cannot properly exercise their voting rights. A representative government cannot be formed unless the representatives are elected by votes.
The international community wants a long- term solution of the problems in the electoral process so that all parties can participate. People can express their views peacefully. The matter was raised with the prime minister by the US Under Secretary of the State. The government is showing interest in electronic voting system. It is the view of experts that the government must have the desire to hold fair election, first. Even the best system cannot deliver unless good intention is there. If instability in Bangladesh continues, this may lead to rise in militancy.
The best system of election may not deliver unless there is political goodwill. If the political parties want fair election, subservient people will not be posted in the Election Commission. Competent people will be placed in the EC. We could not fix the election system in last 44 years.
At the moment, the BNP is not taking to the streets. It is looking to the international community. It is putting up cases of irregularities and fraud before the international community. The representatives of 17 countries, who met earlier, think that they may get some result of their efforts. The UN, Europe and the US have given their reaction and asked for enquiry. They called for effective action for neutral and acceptable national election.
The government does not take note of cautionary signals given by experts. Many countries and agencies were critical regarding our politics, human rights and judicial process. Latest events concerning the city corporation elections were noticed by the outside world.
The UN Secretary General telephoned the prime minister and referred to the irregularities in the city corporation elections. But tough reaction was shown by the government. Foreign policy dependence on any particular country will make Bangladesh vulnerable. Our foreign policy needs to be balanced.
Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon's special envoy, was expected to come to Dhaka this month to arrange a dialogue between the Awami League and the BNP to resolve the political crisis. The international community is reportedly trying to come to reach a political understanding through the United Nations. The purpose is to make the next national election free, fair and participatory. But the government is saying that there is no need for Taranco to come to Dhaka at this time.
Meanwhile, a citizens' group has come up with a number of proposals for reform. Accordingly, the president should have absolute power over giving approval of certain crucial issues. He should have the power of expressing his opinion independently. Duties of the prime minister should be redefined. For establishing meaningful democracy, an election is not sufficient. Ten state organs should be reformed. They suggested that holding of a referendum on local and national issues should be made mandatory. These proposals are for long term. Holding of a free fair and participatory election is a short-term issue and should be given priority.
The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) said on May 18 that April 28 city polls were not free, fair and impartial. Pro-government elements were engaged in vote rigging, occupying polling centres, stuffing ballot boxes and other irregularities to ensure victory for party favourites. The TIB study found that law-enforcing agencies directly assisted in vote rigging. It appeared that a level-playing field was not created as demanded by the opposition. The Election Commission could not perform its duty properly. The commerce minister said that the TIB always comes up with negative news. Reform is needed for the EC and the electoral system.
The writer is an economist and columnist.
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