CEC carrying on: Political crisis looming large

Holding a statutory position, how could a CEC betray his lack of understanding of the importance and sensitivity of a fairly accurate voters' list in holding a national election? His coming in conflict with the then Election Commissioners on taking decision about preparing fresh voters' list unilaterally, appointing 150 election enumerators from BNP cadre, increasing the number of Election Commissioners to four only to make the existing two commissioners non-functional, showing little or no respect for the decisions and directives of the High Court and Supreme Court and trying tirelessly to convince others about his understanding of completing a voters' list quickly and accurately without visiting the voters' residences have made him a dangerous element doing irreparable damage to the common people's wish for establishing democracy in Bangladesh.

By spending around Tk. 600 million in a unique attempt at preparing fresh voters' list (mainly to include fake voters' like stranded Pakistanis, Rohingas, etc. and omit genuine voters) as well as appointment of 150 enumerators from BNP cadres have resulted in drawing conclusion that the CEC is working under the strong influence of PMO. Thus it has become impossible for the common people (particularly the conscious citizens) to accept the voters' list to be prepared by the CEC and his associate ECs and participate in elections conducted by them.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

The alliance government's attitude to bypass the recommendations of the 14-party alliance in regard to reform of election commission and the caretaker government may ultimately result in serious disturbance in having a national election acceptable either to the nation or to the donors. Though we hear now some positive statements about the need for preparing voters' list on the basis of visiting door-to-door, we cannot accept any voters' list under the guidance of the present CEC and his two associate ECs. They must be replaced by new ones. Any dilly dallying (the present government is wont to) in taking firm decision will certainly result in confusion and chaotic situation.

Not much time is left to take a decision about CEC's resignation. Within four months' time the government will have to hand over power to the caretaker government. As the situation stands, the prospective CEC and the ECs will have to be acceptable to all political parties. For the paucity of time, government may form a parliamentary committee for selection of ECs.

Though a bit time consuming the government may consider for CEC's and ECs removal through the supreme judicial council [Art. 96(3) of the constitution]. Under the circumstances, the president and the prime minister may also prevail upon the CEC and the ECs to resign as quickly as possible, precisely for the sake of strengthening democratic practice in the country.

We are apprehensive of looming danger for democratic values and practices; even its secular image has been tarnished through mishandling of politics by some political leaders with little or no political acumen. Apparently some have started dreaming of establishing an Islamic state because they could convince the poor gullible illiterate rural Muslims of the greatness of their philosophy.

In the name of Islam they rather started repression of the innocent people. Even a part of BNP (mainly some immature and inexperienced members) perhaps consider that the antics of these Islamic fundamentalists will ultimately help them to increase their popularity. The fundamentalists know fully well that the tacit support from BNP will improve their grip on the politics at no cost of theirs but that of the BNP.

Needless to say that the present incompetent CEC has successfully brought the nation for a show it witnessed in 1996. Once again we are reminded of the observation of the famous British historian, Trevor-Roper: "The only thing we learn from history is that we do not learn." Let us see whether we see a bigger farce than 1996 in our quest for a free and fair election.

We may not overlook the importance of capacity and time available for the commission. It is indeed difficult to understand as to how the voters' list of more than 90 million can be reviewed with only 83 registration officers and 6273 assistant registration officers within the short time available. The new election commission secretary, it is expected, may be able to prepare a voters' list accurately on the basis of visiting door-to-door.

However, for a fair and free election, removal or resignation of the CEC and ECs is essential. Without acceptability of the voters' list the election will lose its credibility. Thus it is unavoidable for the government to concentrate on replacing the CEC and ECs and hold dialogue with the opposition on electoral reforms and caretaker government's effectiveness. Much time has been lost. Only a quick decision may do some good at this belated hour.

ABMS Zahur is a retired Joint Secretary.