Semblance of fairness in elections at last

The basic support for both parties had earlier been demonstrated in AL winning the Constituency in both the 1996 and 2001 parliamentary elections and the BNP candidate winning it is 1991.

The statistics related to the poll were most interesting. Despite the presence of flood waters, there had been a 57.26 per cent turnout in this prestige poll. The AL candidate secured 55.19 percent of the votes cast as opposed to his main rival MA Mannan (from the BNP led four-party Alliance) who obtained 39.87 percent of the votes. There were eight candidates who had participated in the fray.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

The by-election in Gazipur-2 constituency was the 69th such election in the country since 1991 (when parliamentary system of government was introduced). In the previous 68 by-elections, the BNP bagged 30 seats while Awami League secured 25. Jatiyo Party (Ershad) bagged six seats, Independent candidates four seats and one each went to Jatiyo Party (Manju), Islami Oikya Jote and Bikalpa Dhaka.

There were some reports of minority voter intimidation, few incidents of fake voting and turning out of polling agents in the Gazipur-2 election. However, according to most electoral poll observers, the voting was held in a festive atmosphere without any noticeable law and order problem or rigging.

One presumes that heavy presence of security forces, army patrol and quick trial by mobile courts eased panic among voters and helped to ensure a peaceful atmosphere during the polling period. It was indeed a wise step to have deployed 450 army personnel to assist the 300 BDR personnel and additional policemen and Ansar. There were also 283 Magistrates. Some have said that this was a kind of over-kill. I differ with them. I think it was necessary to have a trouble free election after the disastrous Dhaka-10 poll. In fact, the extent of measures taken by the Election Commission need to be replicated in all future by-elections and also in the general elections if human resources so permit.

The nature of the Constituency itself made the poll very sensitive. There were 195 polling stations within the eight Unions and two Municipalities. Of these 96 polling stations were identified as 'most vulnerable.' The presence of a large number of industrial workers, madrasas and religious institutions also enhanced tension within the Constituency. As such extra care and security helped in an orderly vote despite the difficulties created by flooding.

This particular poll was a significant litmus test for the Election Commission and also for the government. Many of us were genuinely worried that a biased election in this Constituency would act as a catalyst for further deterioration in governance. The Awami League had, it may be recalled, boycotted three consecutive by-elections in three different Constituencies-Kushtia-1, Munshiganj-1 and Dhaka-10. In view of this, the participation of Awami League in the Gazipur-2 by-poll (the 16th such poll to be held for the incumbent Eight Parliament) was seen as special.

One thing has been very clear from the vote. Young Zahid Ahsan Russell has benefited from many protest votes cast by local residents who have been shocked by the gruesome assassination of his father Ahsanullah Master, the former Member of Parliament from this Constituency. The Awami League has already called it a victory against the politics of patronising killers.

It would also be pertinent to note here a few unusual factors that surfaced during the Gazipur electioneering process. I believe that these contributed to the success of holding the poll in a peaceful manner. Both the contenders avoided personal invectives. This was consistent with the norms of decency usually associated with elections elsewhere. Secondly, there was also "no effort' to drag in the names of Bangabandhu and General Zia into the campaign. The main focus was on the various kinds of development work that are required within the Constituency and the past performances of the respective parties. Another important factor was the general agreement among all political parties that polling officials and Returning Officers with partisan feelings should not be present to monitor the election. The fact that the Election Commission took a strong step in this area was specially helpful.

The question that arises then is why the electoral process was allowed to go sour in the Dhaka-10 Constituency. Was it necessary to have made it so controversial and thereby deny the results the desired credibility?

The present Administration must understand that democracy and democratic norms have to be seen to have been practised in any electoral process. This is the only way to consolidate democratic behaviour.

Good governance required tolerance. This is the only way to create trust. In democracy, there are no losers. Both parties, those who from the government, and those who are expected to play the role of being in the opposition, are tow sides of the same coin. In a true democracy, the ruling Administration, instead of creating new areas of discord, has to identify area of convergence, to which all parties can meaningfully contribute.

The main opposition party, the Awami League, has its own national agenda. The Gazipur-2 by-election has reaffirmed most convincingly that the general citizens share their critical views. This has been done in a constructive manner trough the ballot box.

In similar fashion, such criticism, can be, and should be, openly discussed within the Parliament. That is why we have a Parliament. Members of the opposition, most wisely, are now participating in every aspect associated with the parliamentary process. They should be given all opportunities to express their views. The current Administration has brute majority and does not need to be concerned that they will lose in a vote of confidence. They have a singular advantage where even if they lose a few by-elections, they will still retain sufficient majority to rule. They can consequently show to the people of Bangladesh and our friends around the world, that they believe in constructive democracy and not the retention of power through subterfuge or ballot rigging.

What is at issue here is fairness and transparency.

The Gazipur-2 election has built a bridge towards normalcy. Let the government now show its neutrality and provide the people of this Constituency with all financial assistance that will be required for post-flood rehabilitation. Let it be demonstrated that the government can rise over pettiness and help citizens despite their preference for a non-BNP candidate. This will put at rest many allegations.

Muhammad Zamir is a former Secretary and Ambassador.