Municipal Polls
Elections to local bodies in urban areas have been a positive element in the governance of Bangladesh, which has ensured continuation of democracy at this critical level of social organisation. Democratisation of governance at the local level is now recognised as imperative for strengthening democracy and accelerating development. In this context, news that elections to the four city corporations and 139 municipalities are likely to be held between February and April, has come as welcome relief. The Election Commission (EC) has decided to hold municipal elections on Feb 23-25, and the four city corporations may go to polls sometime in March or April. However, mere electability of governing bodies is never enough. What matters is the degree and range of power, particularly financial authority, they are able to enjoy.
Recent experiences suggest that elected local bodies such as city corporations and municipalities are hamstrung by various factors, particularly the over-bearing role and influence of the central government. Even political heavyweights such as the mayor of Dhaka have often voiced displeasure at the limited amount of authority the city corporations have. All municipalities and city corporations today are at the mercy of the government for financing their development programmes. In addition, major utilities such as water, sewerage, electricity etc., are outside the jurisdiction of these bodies. Even city planning is controlled by a separate authority, which is answerable to the government.
These are things that need to be reformed, if democratisation of local governance is to have real impact on the lives of the people they serve. Whether city corporations should be turned into metropolitan governments, as suggested by Dhaka mayor Mohammad Hanif or not, is a matter that could be addressed through a national consultative process. The same process could also address the broader issues of financing local government activities, so that they are able to deliver the goods to the people, without being held hostage to the central government's whims.
Another factor has now entered the poll scenario. The main opposition party BNP has stated that it may not go to city corporation polls under the incumbent Chief Election Commissioner. The BNP's position appears a little puzzling. By threatening to boycott the polls, the BNP is not only vitiating the political atmosphere further, it is also running the risk of abdicating its responsibilities as a major political force.
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