AMBASSADORS and mission chiefs of nine countries on Thursday expressed their hope that the government and the Election Commission would maintain fairness and integrity in the elections to the Dhaka north and south city corporations scheduled for today. The envoys said that the city elections are an opportunity for the citizens of Dhaka to exercise their democratic rights after the midnight election one year back that globally termed a no-vote election. The election is also being held when the Economic Intelligence’s latest report marked Bangladesh as a “no more democratic state”. This might be the ‘last’ opportunity for the EC to gain people’s confidence over the electoral system. Envoys who issued the statement were British High Commissioner Robert Chatterton Dickson, Canadian High Commissioner Benoit Préfontaine, Swedish Ambassador Charlotta Schlyter, US Ambassador Earl Miller, Swiss Ambassador René Holenstein, Norwegian Ambassador Sidsel Bleken, Danish Ambassador Winnie Estrup Petersen, Dutch Charge D’Affairs Jeroen Steeghs and Australian Charge D’Affairs Penny Morton.
In the recent times, Bangladesh failed to arranged a fair election when the political governments in power. Between 1991 and 2008, the national elections so far were free, fair and inclusive and the respective Election Commissions were able to arrange fair elections in comparatively fair environments. Since the level-playing field is crucial for fair elections, all parties should get equal opportunities in polling stations. Contesting mayoral candidates have already published their election manifestoes that are overabundant of promises, though the basic urban challenges are becoming more acute. We wish to see a free and fair election where the voter can cast their vote fearlessly. It is the EC who is sole responsible to hold the undisputed election. But vote-rigging, law enforcers’ partisan role, EC’s apathy, ruling-party candidates’ vote staffing, media control by police and many other incidents could make election mockery with the nation.
But what’s true is that present Election Commission has no power to go against the government’s desire.
In the recent times, Bangladesh failed to arranged a fair election when the political governments in power. Between 1991 and 2008, the national elections so far were free, fair and inclusive and the respective Election Commissions were able to arrange fair elections in comparatively fair environments. Since the level-playing field is crucial for fair elections, all parties should get equal opportunities in polling stations. Contesting mayoral candidates have already published their election manifestoes that are overabundant of promises, though the basic urban challenges are becoming more acute. We wish to see a free and fair election where the voter can cast their vote fearlessly. It is the EC who is sole responsible to hold the undisputed election. But vote-rigging, law enforcers’ partisan role, EC’s apathy, ruling-party candidates’ vote staffing, media control by police and many other incidents could make election mockery with the nation.
But what’s true is that present Election Commission has no power to go against the government’s desire.
