Momentous elections in South Asia
THE Bangladesh election is the last in a series of elections in South Asia, and has evoked considerable interest in the region and beyond. The interest surrounding the polls is much greater because of the background against which they are taking place. Undeniably, there was confusion about the polls because of a variety of reasons. The polls were to be held on December 18, but were postponed to accommodate a major party.
Several countries in South Asia held national elections in 2008. Interestingly, the elections in Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives and Bangladesh were billed as momentous occasions in those countries. Four nations have staged the polls that have bought qualitative changes in those countries. In Bangladesh, too, the balloting will be different in many ways from earlier elections, and has become the cynosure of all eyes.
The elections in Nepal brought about drastic changes in the political landscape of that country and, rather paradoxically, the political forces that hardly believed in conventional politics captured power through a democratic process. The ultra-left "Maoists" had always eschewed democracy, and had espoused violence for change in the ruling system. But they eventually decided to go for multi-party pluralistic politics, won the elections and are now at the helm. They abolished the 240-year-old monarchy and turned the country into a republic. Unquestionably, this is a landmark development.
Pakistan has seen polls that, too, bought about significant changes in the country, ending the nine-year rule of a former military man. The polls have brought the country back to democracy, and are seen as a great event for the nation. Pakistan remains in the news for a myriad of factors, but the 2008 elections are considered by analysts as greatly influencing the shape of things for the nation.
The small Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan saw parliamentary elections while the monarch remains the most powerful person in the country. But what is particularly commendable is the willingness on the part of the throne to involve the people in the governance of the nation, and progress is being made in that direction.
But the polls in another small south Asian nationthe Indian ocean island state of the Maldiveswere meaningful mainly for the reason that for the first time the country witnessed democratic practice. In the multi-party voting, the longest serving president of Asia was ousted and a relatively much younger man took up his position in a praiseworthy transition to democracy.
Elections in all these four countries were talked about issues in the region as well as in the outside world, not for the reason that these were merely the polls, but essentially for the qualitative elements associated with them. The elections have proved beneficial for all these countries, but how the new governments are faring in their respective countries is altogether is a different matter.
Now all speculations and debate revolve around the Bangladesh elections. Polls were due nearly two years ago, and are now taking place in an unprecedented situation. During this period, some reforms that were needed for the making the governing system more credible have been carried out. The voting system with new ideas and innovations is certainly among them.
But this phase is now a part of history and the nation is on the threshold of a new government, on which the people are pinning high hopes. Good governance and taking the elections pledges as honest and bounden duty must be the main obligations of those who will be at the helm with the people's mandate. The people are no longer willing to be taken for a ride by rhetorical exercises. What distinguishes the polls this time is that the politicians will be under greater pressure to deliver the goods in a transparent way, and the coming government can hardly afford to turn a blind eye to the people's woes and aspirations. Hopefully, they will live up to the expectations.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments