Better late than never

We have gained a new knowledge that a democratic government, if run or dominated by people who do not believe in the sovereignty of the people, try to bluff the common people with slogans and statements like 'we believe in development because we think a lot about the people' and 'the opposition do not like development because they do not care about people'. We may 'amend the constitution for the people (when we need it) but opposition should not be permitted to do it because they may do it only to distort the constitution'. 'As we are holding more than two-thirds majority in the parliament it suggests we have the right to think and act for the welfare of the people'.

To take control of the CTG the four-party alliance resorted to all sorts of tricks. The EC, though supposed to be independent and neutral, is virtually under the control of the PMO. Thus strong influence of the executive always remains on this statutory body. The 4-party government not only controlled its budget, its personnel were also dictated by the PMO indirectly. Indeed an extremely unfortunate state of affairs for a parliamentary democracy. It is indeed inappropriate for a government to attempt at making the process of voting a farce. The opposition, on the other hand, is apparently fighting for ensuring a free, fair and credible election as far as possible.

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At this stage it may not be very meaningful to discuss whether the faulty voters' list was prepared by the EC deliberately to rig the contest or was it just EC's incompetence or bias. The voters' list include more than 11.2 million fictitious voters and excludes 2.5 per cent of genuine voters (US NDI survey report). The CTG has directed the EC to update and rectify the list quickly. As per EC the work for updating and rectification will be completed by 15 December 2006!

In regard to the need for neutralising the administration it is essential to transfer officers directly or indirectly connected with holding of election. These officers include some secretaries to the government of some strategic ministries such as Home Affairs, Education, Law, Establishment Division; DCs, UNOs, SPs and OCs of all thanas, district primary education officers, thana primary education officers. We understand that CTG has already decided to make necessary transfers. Implementation of the necessary orders are believed to be at different stages.

Recovery of illegal arms, it is reported, has already started. Our police force is aware of the existence of huge quantity of illegal small arms, materials for making bombs etc. in the country. We are aware of the capability of our police. On an average they may be accepted as efficient (if not interfered by the politicians). How ever, we do not know how far the CTG will be successful in utilising the services of the newly recruited police personnel (around 24000) during the last five years. They are not only highly politicised they are also much less trained as compared to their seniors. How can they be utilised for ensuring free and fair election? They cannot be given any important duty, they may be placed in less sensitive less and critical areas.

We are not aware of the number of Ansar and village defence personnel force during the last five years. They may similarly be treated as the new recruits in the police.

When police personnel of a constituency covertly or overtly support the contestant of a particular party that particular party's activists can drive away the polling agents of other parties and fill in the ballot boxes in favour of their candidates. These are observed largely in by elections. In the present circumstances the chances of 'capturing polling booths' are certainly high because it would hardly be possible for the national or foreign observers to identify such activities.

Furthermore, to encourage participation of minority voters police force should be strictly advised to be specially vigilant about the safety and security of the minority community voters. We understand that minority voters (mainly Hindu voters) are threatened by certain BNP or JI activists, the houses of some such voters were burnt and their women folk were molested during the 2001 elections. Extremely sad and sordid. Even the complaints of the victims were not recorded by the police in many cases. To stop these heinous acts we need neutral police force and constant vigilance of the local administration. Our administration must bear in mind that communal harmony quickens pace of development. Needless to say that more participation by the people in the development efforts of the government will make development less costly.

Without adequate cooperation from the returning officers, presiding officers and polling officers it may be beyond the capability of the election commission to hold free, fair and credible election. As the Ctg and the EC are already taking necessary steps to rectify and update the voters' list we may hope that correct and updated voters' list may be provided by the EC in the election in time.

Another problem for holding fair election is recently recruited 300 employees from BNP cadres in the EC. Their service may be dispensed with immediately to refrain them from indulging in partisan activities.

It may be stated that life of the CTG may be extended beyond 90 (ninety) days in the interest of the people, for the sake of holding a truly free, fair and credible election in such a messy situation. Adequate preparations for the election cannot, perhaps, be completed within the next 40 days. Thus BNP's insistence on completing election within seven weeks time does not appear to be very reasonable. All other parties be allowed to participate fully with adequate preparation in the election to make it fair and credible.

For free flow of information about the various developments in the election the journalists may be provided with adequate security and protection against manhandling by police or the political activists. The advisers concerned (home and information) may take special note of this. In fact freedom of journalists to report fairly may indirectly control the improper use of money and muscle in the election.

In this CTG we see that the advisers are not encouraged to work freely and fairly by the chief adviser because of his affiliation to the 4-party alliance. However, we recently observed some attitudinal change in him. But suddenly he also being the president has taken some unwanted step in the name of bringing congenial political atmosphere in the existing confrontational politics surcharged with mistrust and suspicion. He as CTG chief was rather lucky in having an impressive, mature and experienced advisers around him ever ready to assist him in solving intricate sensitive political problems. But on his calling in the army for the purpose without consulting them at least four of them have resigned, obviously to the detriment of situation. A learned person like him should, however, understand that only quality advices from his advisers can help him to complete his mission to offer this country a free, fair and credible election to strengthen the foundation of its democracy. Let CTG take to the right track even now.

ABMS Zahur is a former Joint Secretary