Netrokona by-election

We believe there are quite a few salient features of the by-election that should not go unnoticed in the euphoria of the winning side or the disappointment of the losing party. All the major parties took part in the fray, thus making it a real contest among the principal stakeholders in politics. The by-election was intensely fought and the voter's mind was greatly exercised. The high-profile presence of ministers, ruling party stalwarts and no less than 40 leaders of the opposition made the constituency the focal point of intense electoral and political campaigning. The election fever was running high with the parties doing as much as they could to clinch the issue. They laid great emphasis on the by-election as it was seen as a barometer for measuring the popular sentiment, nearly two years after the four-party alliance came to power. Some polling stations were marked as susceptible to violence, but the parties and their workers ultimately showed a degree of political maturity by ensuring a smooth passage of the polls process.

There were the ingredients for a likely flare-up. But it was heartening to see that the day passed off peacefully. The main opposition Awami League's participation in the by-election was indicative of its readiness to test its strength before the bar of public opinion. It is indeed a good sign that the political parties reaffirmed their faith in people's mandate by taking part in the polls.

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Questions have been raised about the turnout of voters, which was 63 per cent, compared to the 75 per cent in 2001. However, there is no reason to be cynical on this particular issue. What is important for the country is to consolidate the democratic process and it hardly needs saying that peaceful holding of elections is an essential prerequisite for attaining that goal.