Expectation of free and fair polls
But having said
all these, it is also
objective to say that the EC is suffering from a sense of undue subordination to the executive in matters where it can assert itself for doing the right thing. Probably the EC leadership suffers from a queasy
attitude which is their
own making
The beleaguered Election Commissions role is increasingly coming under the radar ahead of the civic polls which are scheduled to be held on the 30th of this month. The polls hold a special significance as this is the first time a local government body election is going to be held under party banner.
The Election Commission (EC), headed by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), is endowed with the responsibility of supervising all the elements of an election. The Constitution vests the superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of the electoral rolls for the parliamentary elections and conduct of such election on the
Election Commission. The Commission has to supervise, control and direct each and every step of the process to ensure free and fair election.
To ensure the impartiality of elections, the Constitution declares that the Election Commission shall be independent in the exercise of its functions and be subject only to the Constitution. Al these sound good on paper. Yet the reality is that elections are not contested on paper. Without the goodwill and support of the government in power the Election Commission can actually achieve little. It has been widely reported in the media that government officials whose roles are vital in holding a free and fair election are more interested in pandering to the wishes of the local MPs rather than following the directives of the EC.
The situation has reached a nadir; so much so that the Election Commission on Sunday requested the prime minister to take steps so that the government officials responsible during the municipal polls must help the Commission. The government has, at different times made the claim the Election Commission in Bangladesh is completely independent. However claiming that the institution is independent is one thing, but convincing the people that it is independent and credible is a different kettle of fish altogether. Numerous irregularities and abuses have been brought to the attention of the Commission but its ability to tackle them has left much to be desired and has raised questions as to its credibility. It will take more than words to convince Bangladeshis that the commission is a credible institution capable of ensuring free and fair elections.
We hope that all is not lost yet. We urge the ruling party to rein in its over enthusiastic MPs. The image of the government will be tarnished if any chaos takes place during the polls, or the polls are not hold fairly.
But having said all these, it is also objective to say that the EC is suffering from a sense of undue subordination to the executive in matters where it can assert itself for doing the right thing. The countrys Constitution fully empowers it do so but probably the EC leadership suffers from a queasy attitude which is their own making.
