High stake in the electoral process

Both have made clear the absolute centrality of successful elections for the democratic future of Bangladesh. Hence both have stressed the credibility of the polls -- that they be above suspicion -- and to that end, both have emphasised the necessity for a level playing field and transparency and accountability in the election process.

These points should not be viewed solely as the opinion of foreigners. They echo the national sentiments as expressed by the media, civil society, and citizens' groups.

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We can thus see that the outside world seems to be on the same wavelength as the country when it comes to the necessity for elections that are not only fair and legitimate, but accepted by all as such.

So if the outside world understands the need, and inside the country there is a broad consensus on it, why is it that the stake we have in the next general election is apparently being missed out on by the government and the EC given the lack of sensitivity they are showing to the issues involved?

We cannot tell if the government is merely blind to the fact that it too is a stakeholder in the process and that more than anyone it would benefit from legitimate elections, or if it has no interest in ensuring that the upcoming elections are seen to be credible.

Let us add here that we urge the opposition to reinforce its demands regarding acceptable elections by returning to parliament and pressing the demand there. This will benefit the cause immensely.

The sad thing is it seems that the relevant institutions are ill-prepared for the upcoming elections. The shenanigans at the EC so far have not filled anyone with confidence as to the process. Quite the opposite, in fact.

What is truly regrettable here is that the EC, which has held three good elections in the past, now seems to be going backwards. This regressive journey, in which the gains of the last 15 years are being reversed, is extremely worrisome.