EC must prove competence in three city polls

The election commission led by KM Nurul Huda had done a good job in the Cumilla and Rangpur civic polls, but failed to maintain that reputation in Khulna and Gazipur.

The EC is now trying to restore its reputation in the next three city polls of Rajshahi, Sylhet and Barishal, say several officials of the commission.

It is to be seen whether their actions match their words. Despite trepidations, we still hope the EC proves itself.

If the election to the here city elections are fair, this will somewhat decrease the divisions and hostility in national politics. The EC will be able to create a degree of confidence.

On the other hand, political unrest will undoubtedly increase if anything untoward occurs in Barishal, Rajshahi and Sylhet like the previous city polls. 

The voting for three city corporations is scheduled to be held on 30 July. Campaigning will be halted by 12:00am tonight.

The real test of the election commission is to hold a free, fair and peaceful election in accordance to the constitution.

It is not possible for the election commission to take the responsibility singlehandedly. The local administration and law enforcement also need to work neutrally.

According to the constitution, everyone involved with the election process is bound to obey the EC’s orders.

We are concerned with the fact that as the election day is nearing, the incidents of violating election codes of conduct are increasing. Besides, the law enforcement has been accused of arresting and harassing selectively the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) leaders and activists who were campaigning for the party candidates. 

Several questionable actions during electioneering by the ruling Awami Leagues’s activists have also been revealed in the media.

The election commission should investigate every complaint with due importance and take necessary action to tackle the situation.

The EC has to ensure that the electoral agents of each party can carry out their duties without any intimidation in the polling booths.

Also, the EC has to make sure that the law enforcement agencies cannot arrest anyone in the electoral areas from night before the voting day and on the day of balloting as well.

No matter which party candidate wins, the election itself must not lose!

It is not enough for the election commission to work with impartiality and competence only, but it should be visible among the people as well. Mayhem in Khulna and Gazipur left no scope for the EC to many any mistake on 30 July elections. Neither do we want a Magura-style election nor do we want election like Khulna or Gazipur.

The EC has failed to create a level playing field for the candidates of all political parties in the election. It should, at the very least, ensure a safe atmosphere so that the voters can go to the polling centres to cast their votes.

The efficient and neutral role of election commission in the upcoming civic polls will determine the future of the country’s electoral politics.