After the 2018 election (and the various elections that followed), no one had any reason to believe that fair elections could be held under a one-party government. We have not found any indication that the Election Commission will be able to conduct fair elections under the present government. Examples in this context include the failure to implement an order for an Awami League MP to leave the constituency during the Kamila by-election, Hero Alam’s experience in Bogura, and irregularities in municipal elections.
In the last few years, we have seen many such examples which have created mistrust in the electoral culture. The candidature of people who are not in favor of the government in one way or the other has been cancelled. Attempts have been made to subjugate the caste party through dubious means. Numerous cases have been filed against the BNP and other opposition parties to make it difficult or impossible to participate in elections. Appointments and postings in the police force and administration are done with care. Voter turnout has declined significantly in various national elections.
Under such circumstances, there is really no option but to restore confidence in the government at the time of election. We must bear in mind that national unity, solidarity and strength will be further eroded if mistrust and desperation about elections continue in the country. And the negative energies at home and abroad will take full advantage of the situation. We see many examples of this in the form of non-political and suspicious persons in Parliament, unaccountable economy of robbers and various contracts with foreign elements that go against the interests of the country.
These problems were there earlier as well, that they can remain even if fair elections are held. But a controversial election deepens the crisis of legitimacy. And thus those in power become dependent on various forces at home and abroad to stay in power. This cannot be denied.
We all have to make joint efforts for fair elections in the interest of the country. There are ways to conduct such elections. All you need is the right intention.
* Asif Nazrul is a professor in the Department of Law at the University of Dhaka.
* This column appeared in print in an online edition of Prothom Elo and has been rewritten for the English edition by Ayesha Kabir