Eid has always been a singular occasion for mass campaigns. Aspiring electoral candidates seize the opportunity to meet their voters in their constituencies amid festivities. And given the tradition of long campaigns leading up to national elections, it would not have been unusual to see candidates gearing up for their outreach programmes during the holidays as this Eid was the last time that candidates would find most of their voters home en masse.

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Anti-Govt Demo: BNP aims to tap Eid to mobilise public support

But the hype has been absent. Other than a few pre-recorded voice messages that elicited little more than irritation, the initiatives taken this time paled in comparison to the previous occasions. Although not a voter in either district, this correspondent received two messages from the lawmakers of Sirajganj and Lakshmipur. As such, one could say that attempts to reach out to the electorate this time have been quite insignificant.

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A short history of AL’s challenging times

On the other front, the BNP has already made it clear that it would not join the upcoming parliamentary election under the incumbent government. The ruling Awami League has also made it clear that the election would be held according to the constitution, meaning it would not step down. This sort of uncertainty is not new in Bangladeshi politics where parties appear to be entrenched in their positions due to mistrust. On the last two occasions, the government proceeded with the elections regardless of BNP's position or protests. This time, however, it seems different.

The Awami League appeared to be more sure-footed about the elections and did not appear to mind so much that the BNP might not join the elections. But things may have changed since the evening of May 24, when it was announced that the United States would restrict visas to any Bangladeshi citizens believed to be responsible for or complicit in undermining democratic election processes in the country.

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How to explain Jamaat’s return to the political scene?

Initially, the announcement was warmly welcomed all around – by the ruling Awami League, Jatiya Party, main opposition in parliament, and BNP, main opposition camp on the streets. Arch-rivals Awami League and BNP both claimed that the measure was aimed at the other and that they had nothing to worry about. Shortly, however, the ruling party distanced itself from that position, especially with the ruling party leaders vocally protesting the measure as nothing but an attempt to oust the incumbent government.

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Movement, not polls

Through its visa restrictions, the US has made it clear that it wants to see a free and fair election in Bangladesh and that basic freedoms and rights needed for a democratic environment are upheld. This announcement, in a way, seemed inevitable if one considers that Bangladesh was not even invited to the democracy summits for two consecutive times. The latest measure might be a planned attempt to pressure the government to ensure a free and fair election at the end of this year.

Eid is over and people are returning to the cities. BNP has already warned that it would go for its one-point movement to materialise the demand for an election under a non-partisan interim government. A three-member high-powered US delegation is also expected to visit Bangladesh later in July. Media reports suggest that the US officials are likely to hold talks with political parties and civil society members.

What's even more interesting is that when the ruling party members started criticising the US, Bangladesh's development partner China came up with a statement following a question-and-answer session of the Chinese foreign ministry. Without directly mentioning the US, the Chinese statement said "a certain country has long been interfering in the internal affairs of Bangladesh and many other developing countries under the pretext of democracy and human rights."

The statement further read, "We firmly support Bangladesh in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, upholding independent domestic and foreign policies, and pursuing a development path that suits its national realities. We stand ready to work together with Bangladesh and other countries to oppose all forms of hegemonism and power politics, uphold the UN-centred international system, the international order underpinned by international law and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and build a community with a shared future for mankind."

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Delving into the new US visa policy for Bangladesh

This reaction clearly indicates that rivalry between China and the US has now touched upon Bangladesh. This is a rather ominous sign, especially when our foreign policy is "friendship to all, malice to none."

While the attitude of the US and China regarding the next general election in Bangladesh may seem clear, we are yet to know what India's position is. We know that our neighbour wholeheartedly supported the 2014 election in which 153 lawmakers were elected uncontested. We have also seen them support the 2018 election. India is yet to make any official comment, but various Indian media outlets have given their interpretations. Most of the explanation focuses on supporting the Awami League regime and some articles also mention what the ruling party should do. But the necessity of holding a free and fair election where people's hopes and aspirations will be projected received little attention. Obviously, India will consider its geopolitical interests, especially regarding the security situation in the Seven Sisters.

Eid is over and people are returning to the cities. BNP has already warned that it would go for its one-point movement to materialise the demand for an election under a non-partisan interim government. A three-member high-powered US delegation is also expected to visit Bangladesh later in July. Media reports suggest that the US officials are likely to hold talks with political parties and civil society members.

While we have politicians, civil society members and other stakeholders, it seems that the next election is largely dependent on the attitudes of the big powers. It seems we are waiting to see how the big powers react in the coming days. Some are criticising the US, some China, while others are expressing their reservations about India's attitude.

If any one quarter is to be held responsible for such a turn of events, it would have to be the politicians. Unfortunately, no one is talking about the main stakeholders of the election – the people. Without them, democracy will neither flourish nor be strengthened.

Mohammad Al-Masum Molla is chief reporter at The Daily Star.

Abdul Awal, 58, cannot hold back his excitement as for the first time in his life he would be voting in the 11th parliamentary polls on December 30.

Awal is one of the newly registered voters of 59 former enclaves in Lalmonirhat that became Bangladesh's territory through the implementation of Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) in 2015.

“It feels like a dream that my vote will be counted for selecting Bangladesh's government,” said Awal, a resident of Bhitorkuti under Kulaghat union.

Awal recalled how he used to visit the polling centres to witness the festivity centring elections during his childhood. But he never disclosed his identity during those times. “This time I will walk to the centre proudly and be a part of the event.”

Of the 59 former enclaves, which were Indian territory only a few years ago, two are in Kulaghat, two in Gotamari union, and the rest are in Jongra, Kuchlibari, Burimari, Srirampur, Jagatber, and Bawra unions of Patgram upazila.

Of the 10,317 people living in these former enclaves, 6.500 have been registered as voters, according to the district election office.

During a visit to Kulaghat on Monday, this correspondent found most areas covered with posters of the Awami League. Posters of Jatiya Oikyafront were seen at a few places.

Jatiya Party Co-chairman GM Quader is contesting from the Awami League-led 14-party grand alliance against Lalmonirhat BNP President Asadul Habib Dulu in Lalmonirhat-3, which includes Kulaghat union.

Both the candidates were trying to drum up support but they did not show up when the flood hit the area hard in 2014, said some of the locals.

“During the floods, no-one offered a single piece of bread but now they are coming to us seeking votes,” said Ayub Ali, a resident of Banshpochai, Kalughat.

Ayub, however, showed this correspondent the smart card, vulnerable group feeding (VGF) card, and fair price card that he received following the dissolution of the enclaves.

Pointing at the smart card, he said, “Look, the card says I am a Bangladeshi. I will cast my ballot using this card.”

The 50-year-old said his relatives living in the mainland once used to call his family “enclave people” but now no-one dares to do so.

Following the implementation of the LBA on July 31, 2015, the government set up houses, gave electricity connections, distributed VGF cards, VGD (Vulnerable Group development) cards, placed solar panels, constructed roads, tube-wells, toilets, established schools and clinics in some of the remote areas.

Many residents were unhappy as they did not have a candidate contesting with the electoral symbol “boat”, the Awami League's symbol.

Shahtun Khatun, 55, said she was “finally freed from the curse of enclave” because of the initiative by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Alluding to GM Quader, she said, “Nevertheless, I will vote for her [Hasina's] candidate, I will pick plough [election symbol of Jatiya Party],” said the resident of Bhitorkuti in Kalurghat.

Asadul Hasib Dulu, president of Lalmonirhat BNP and Oikyafront nominee, pledged employment opportunities. Dulu said, “We will focus on education of the residents, including taking responsibility of meritorious but poor students.”

In Lalmonirhat-1, Lalmonirhat Awami League President Motahar Hossain is running. The constituency has 55 former enclaves.

If elected, development of infrastructures would continue in the areas, said Motahar. The Awami League would set up schools, colleges, and create employment opportunities, he added.

The Barishal city is yet to see fully-fledged electioneering by the major political parties although the polls are just two weeks away.

The Awami League and the BNP have held rallies on small scales but none of them was seen bringing out traditional processions. The door-to-door campaign seeking votes was also absent.

Seven candidates are running in Barishal-5 and posters of AL, BNP, and Islami Andolan Bangladesh aspirants are visible in the constituency that has 10 unions and the city corporation.

AL candidate Zaheed Farooque and BNP candidate Mazibur Rahman Sarwar are struggling to get party men working for their campaigns.

Local BNP leaders, who failed to secure party tickets, are yet to join Mazibur's campaign.

Former army man Zaheed had been somewhat detached from politics since his defeat in the 2008 national polls and is finding it hard to organise his campaign in a constituency the BNP held from 1991 to 2008.

Before offering the Jummah prayers on Friday, Zaheed and Mazibur paid tributes to martyred intellectuals at the Muktijuddho Falak in Barishal city.

Zaheed later held small rallies in Sayestabad, Shaheberhat, and Tongibaria unions but no major election activity was seen inside the city corporation area.

These correspondents found two offices of the Awami League, at ward-19 and at Natunbazar, closed around 3:00pm on Friday.

Mostafa, a trader who works near the ward office, said, "The office has no people as the campaign is yet to gain momentum."

A shopkeeper in New Market area echoed Mostafa.

"You will see campaigning by horn speakers only. Face-to-face vote seeking has not started yet."

No polls activity was seen on Sadar Road, Hospital Road, and College Road – the thoroughfares of Barishal city

Meanwhile, the BNP camp has unity issue.

Election campaign in Barishal city by the two major parties has not yet gained momentum although the national election is just two weeks away. The photos were taken around 6:00pm yesterday. Photo: Titu Das

Party insiders said Bilkis Jahan Shirin, organising secretary of BNP, Ebaidul Haque Chan, president of Barishal district (South) BNP, and Ahsan Habib Kamal, and former BCC mayor were reluctant to campaign for Mazibur after failing to get party tickets.

Shirin yesterday said Chan could be sick but the rest of them would be on the campaign trail of Mazibur.

Mazibur, lawmaker of Barishal-5 in 2001-2006 and also a former BCC mayor, claimed that the BNP leaders in Barishal were united and would work for him. They were deciding on campaign strategies and observing the AL campaign, he said, adding that his campaign would shift gears within two or three days.

He alleged that AL men had threatened his men in Kashipur and Sayestabad and the Election Commission was not playing its due role.

Golam Abbas Chowdhury Dulal, president of AL Barishal city unit, brushed aside Mazibur's claims and said, “Raising allegations is like a routine work for them. They are saying this just for the sake of saying something."

We welcome the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court's verdict that none of the government organs, including the executive, can interfere with the Election Commission's (EC) functions, as the commission is an independent body as per the constitution. While delivering the verdict, the SC sent out the right message with its observation and from the correct legal position. But this is just one part of the story. In Bangladesh, we have many institutions that have been granted independent power by the constitution. But because of a lack of principled stances, individual courage, and the willingness on the part of some people to aid those in power for self-benefits and self-aggrandisement, they unfortunately do not work. 

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Ensuring EC's operational independence

And this, ultimately, is the crux of the issue. Therefore, while we greatly appreciate what the SC said while delivering its verdict, the fact of the matter remains that, unless election commissioners use their legal powers with resilience and courage, or if they are intimidated by the prevailing political environment and by politicians, the system will not work in favour of the country or its people. And we can see plenty of evidence of that, just by how the EC has performed in the past. \

The power vested upon the EC is not something new. It had a lot of power before, but that did not pay off in terms of delivering free and fair elections where the people could satisfactorily exercise their right to franchise. In the absence of people getting to choose their own representatives – and, as an extension of that, hold those who claim to represent them to account – we have arrived at a situation where accountability and transparency in governance have gone out the window. Those in power no longer even pretend to value the opinions of the people, nor have any respect towards them. The open display of arrogance, intimidation, and apathy towards the public by those in power – or even those who are connected to it – are direct results of the failure of our so-called "independent" institutions to justly and courageously perform their duties. 

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The mythical backbone of the Election Commission

Under such circumstances, we cannot help but wonder if the EC will truly utilise its powers to ensure that the sanctity of voters' rights remains unviolated. 

Having said that, we must also admit that we are enthused by some of the early signs from this EC. But it has to build on what it has done so far and the commissioners have to rightly assert themselves. Undoubtedly, the biggest source of their support are the people who, we have no doubt, will support them should the ECs' aim truly be to deliver free and fair elections, as per their constitutional mandate.

Confusion remains among many over casting votes using electronic voting machines in Satkhira-2 and Khulna-2 as they have no practical knowledge of the machines.

Besides, rumours have been  swirling around in the two constituencies that there would be irregularities in the use of EVMs on the  polling day.

Moksed Ali, a rickshaw puller from Satkhira's Bhomra, said, “Many people have been saying that the EVM will help officials identify who cast his vote for which electoral symbol.”

Mentioning that they were still in the dark about the EVM, voters said the Election Commission didn't conduct enough publicity campaigns to make them aware about the machine's use.

They expressed concern that unschooled voters might face difficulties in casting votes.

According to Election Commission documents, EVM displays have so far been held in eight out of total 22 wards in Khulna-2. Such programmes will be organised in five more wards tomorrow.

Doly Khatun, a worker at a fish processing firm, lives in Khulna city's WAPDA slum -- home to     over 8,000 low income people in ward-22.

Talking to this newspaper last week, she said, “EVMs should be used in polling centres of some specific areas inhabited by educated people as we are not well aware of their use.”

Like Doly, some other slum dwellers, mostly females, expressed worries about using voting machines.

“I am worried about casting my vote using an EVM because I know nothing about it. I will be ashamed if I cannot operate the machine properly. In that case, I will leave the polling centre without casting my vote,” said Roksana.

At least 10 other women voters echoed the worries of Roksana.

For the first time in the country's history, the Election Commission is going to use EVMs in the coming parliamentary election. For this, the EC has selected six constituencies by a lottery.

EVMs will also be used in Dhaka-6 and 13, Chattogram-9 and Rangpur-3 during the voting on December 30.

In Satkhira-2 (Sadar), 698 polling booths will be set up in 137 voting centres while Khulna-2 (Sadar and Sonadanga) will have 720 booths in 157 centres.

Talking to The Daily Star a few days ago, Satkhira Returning Officer SM Mostafa Kamal, also the district deputy commissioner, said people generally get worried whenever a new system is introduced. “We will conduct publicity campaigns to make people interested in EVMs.”

M Majharul Islam, senior district election officer in Khulna, said the EC would try to hold EVM display and mock voting in all the polling centres in Khulna-2.

Mir Mostak Ahmed Robi, ruling Awami League candidate in Satkhira-2, said votes could be cast promptly and maintaining transparency by using EVMs.

BNP nominee Nazrul Islam Monju said Khulna-2 is one of the risky constituencies in the Khulna division.

The AL men were accused of stamping ballots and rigging polls results during the last city corporation polls, he added.

Azizur Rahman, publicity secretary of Satkhira Jamaat-e-Islami, alleged that the government was going to use EVMs “to rig the polls results digitally”.

Khulna Mayor Talukder Abdul Khaleque, also the city AL president, said his party wants that the election should be held in a transparent and acceptable manner so that no one can raise any question about it.