The die already cast?

However, the baffled public looks askance as to what kind of election are we then heading for without an electoral reform and the removal of a highly controversial chief election commissioner along with his commission. Much to the surprise of many, the cuckoo is still there in the nest, and in his quixotic manner is undertaking the preparation of another electoral roll with a fresh splutter of eccentricities.

He already squandered away over Tk 60 crore and disregarded a court ruling in preparing a thoroughly flawed and unusable voter list that has since been rejected under public pressure. Mystery thickens when there is no government initiative in ousting this unwanted CEC lacking public trust by forming a judicial council even after important ministers showed their embarrassment at his activities.

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In a mischievous move, the government already increased the Judges' age-limit for service with an ill-intentioned motive of having its man in the slot of the head of the caretaker government. As the time is fast running out and there is no headway either in dialogue or electoral reform, it may be an establishment ploy to make the opposition accept the fait accompli in participating in the election under existing arrangement. The opposition which has committed a series of gaffes may go along the government's persuasion under internal and external pressure. If that happens not only the election will enjoy no credibility, the country will perpetually be in turmoil.

Earlier in 1991 and 2001, when Awami League complained of election rigging few believed it. It was looked upon as the AL's chronic inability to accept unpleasant reality. This time things are different. The people are totally alienated from the government which itself is discredited almost on all fronts. In fact, we are going have an election against a backdrop of devastation caused by the alliance government's misrule, unparalleled corruption, and price hike of the essentials through syndicated market manipulation. The nation today is on the verge of being torn apart, with the government's nexus with anti-liberation forces and apparent acquiescence in the rise of the religious militancy. If the past is any guide, a disgruntled and disgusted public will certainly not vote the alliance back to power.

Yet a party that was born in power and another that was rehabilitated in politics through the government's patronage cannot sustain without the elixir of power. They also have to safeguard their ill-gotten fortunes. It may be recalled that another brand of "nationalists" who participated in Ershad era looting swiftly switched over to BNP in 1991. That gives a valid reason to believe the alliance will make a last-ditch effort to cling to power through means fair or foul. That they will adopt unfair means in the next election amidst a decline in their acceptability is apparent from some of the actions they have already taken.

Yet the next election is the most crucial one in our national history. It's going to mark a defining moment for us as to which way we would proceed. Bangladesh today is at a cross-road. Through the next election we have to decide which course would we adopt. The rampart of our statehood is already assailed and the values upon which the country was created are being challenged. The country is held hostage to a handful of predators who are plundering the country's remaining assets.

The next election, it must be remembered, is not just another election. Only a free, fair, and neutral election conducted by a set-up enjoying public confidence can perhaps rescue us from an abyss of ignominy. The vested interests are powerful. Unless we firmly resist them, the entire purpose of the election will be defeated. There are tell-tale evidences that the die is already cast. Even if it is so, we have to recast it, preserving the best of the nation's interests. Ultimately it is the people's wish that reigns supreme.

There is some silver lining in the new awareness growing among the politicians, civil society, professional group, business classes, and so on. They all are playing a constructive role in ensuring a credible election. The election must be free and fair. Then it is immaterial as to who wins.

Brig ( retd) Hafiz is former DG of BIISS.