The Election Commission has approved 11 changes to its City Corporation Election Code of Conduct Rules 2016, one of which will permit parliament members to participate in electioneering in local elections. What is surprising is that not only have they been delisted from the list of people barred from campaigning in local elections, but also that the decision was taken hastily without discussing the issue with other political parties, to accommodate the demands of the Awami League. Coming as it does on the heels of Khulna City Corporation which has done nothing to enhance the credibility of the commission, this decision will further erode public confidence in the EC.  

It was for very good reason that the caveat to electioneering in local elections by certain categories of officials, including members of parliament, was imposed. One cannot deny the impact of their presence in their respective constituency. And for very obvious reasons the local administration is beholden to the local MP because of the political clout he carries. And contrary to what the EC contends, local facilities are provided to the lawmaker whenever he or she visits his or her area.

A very significant change was made to the local government election when it was shorn considerably of its nonpartisan character by allowing party-based election. And with the new provision its local character will vanish completely. These elections are meant to be local. It cannot be so with the direct interference and influence of the local lawmakers that the new EC rule will ensure. The decision we think is a rank bad idea which will do anything but provide a level playing field for all the other political parties, and make the elections anything but local.