Unpleasant UP elections

Most of the violence occurred between supporters of the rebel Awami League candidates and the official ones

Over the years it has been observed that local government elections, particularly the Union Parishad elections were held–barring some isolated incidents–in a festive atmosphere. However, this time contrary to our expectations the first two phases of Union Parisad (UP) elections was marred by serious violence resulting in dozens of deaths and countless injuries. The sheer violence witnessed in both the phases has definitely caused embarrassment to the government and the Election Commission.
Though a huge number of law enforcement personnel were deployed to ensure free and peaceful polls, they have clearly failed to carry out their duties and stop violent incidents. In fact, a few law enforcement personnel were injured in crossfire between supporters of opposing candidates. Most of the violence occurred between supporters of the rebel Awami League candidates and the official ones.
Also very unfortunately as a report published in The Independent on Tuesday points out that many smaller parties are not participating in the elections as they fear that they would not be able to be competitive against the huge financial and muscle power of the bigger parties. The reaction of the Election Commission regarding this has been curious to say the least. The EC apparently washing its hands has said that it could not do anything regarding the matter.
Many observers beg to differ. Surely, the EC should not force any political party to take part in the UP elections. But it is indeed the EC’s responsibility to ensure an atmosphere where the voters can exercise their rights without any fear and all political parties can participate and hold election campaign without being threatened or intimidated. It would be indeed very worrying if the violence and irregularities in the polls may result in loss of faith among the people in the local government system itself.
    Free and fair elections are the cornerstones of a democratic system. And local government elections are important for the health of democracy in any country. If local government elections are held in a free and peaceful manner the people’s faith in democratic institutions will be strengthened. This is for the first time the elections of UP, the lowest tier of local government in Bangladesh, are being held using the respective election symbols of the political parties. And this experiment has not really been a pleasant one.
It is now expected that the government would extend help to the EC in discharging its polls duty in line with the power given to this constitutionally sovereign entity. 

Unpleasant UP elections

Most of the violence occurred between supporters of the rebel Awami League candidates and the official ones

Over the years it has been observed that local government elections, particularly the Union Parishad elections were heldbarring some isolated incidentsin a festive atmosphere. However, this time contrary to our expectations the first two phases of Union Parisad (UP) elections was marred by serious violence resulting in dozens of deaths and countless injuries. The sheer violence witnessed in both the phases has definitely caused embarrassment to the government and the Election Commission. Though a huge number of law enforcement personnel were deployed to ensure free and peaceful polls, they have clearly failed to carry out their duties and stop violent incidents. In fact, a few law enforcement personnel were injured in crossfire between supporters of opposing candidates. Most of the violence occurred between supporters of the rebel Awami League candidates and the official ones. Also very unfortunately as a report published in The Independent on Tuesday points out that many smaller parties are not participating in the elections as they fear that they would not be able to be competitive against the huge financial and muscle power of the bigger parties. The reaction of the Election Commission regarding this has been curious to say the least. The EC apparently washing its hands has said that it could not do anything regarding the matter. Many observers beg to differ. Surely, the EC should not force any political party to take part in the UP elections. But it is indeed the ECs responsibility to ensure an atmosphere where the voters can exercise their rights without any fear and all political parties can participate and hold election campaign without being threatened or intimidated. It would be indeed very worrying if the violence and irregularities in the polls may result in loss of faith among the people in the local government system itself. Free and fair elections are the cornerstones of a democratic system. And local government elections are important for the health of democracy in any country. If local government elections are held in a free and peaceful manner the peoples faith in democratic institutions will be strengthened. This is for the first time the elections of UP, the lowest tier of local government in Bangladesh, are being held using the respective election symbols of the political parties. And this experiment has not really been a pleasant one. It is now expected that the government would extend help to the EC in discharging its polls duty in line with the power given to this constitutionally sovereign entity.