‘Ensuring a fair election may be challenging without participation of major political parties’
With the 12th parliamentary election only a few months away, how confident is the Election Commission about holding a free, fair and participatory election?
Holding a free, fair and participatory national election depends on many factors. If all those factors positively interact to achieve the desired objective, it may certainly be achieved fairly well. The role of the Election Commission as well as the role of the administration and the law enforcement agencies are extremely important. Their roles will have to be mutually cohesive.
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Do you see any challenges in conducting the elections?
Major political parties are the main players in parliamentary elections. If they do not contest effectively, the power balance expected inside polling stations may be missing. Ensuring a free and fair election at polling stations may face challenges in a vacuum like that.
The ruling Awami League and major opposition BNP and some parties are still at odds on the issue of election-time government system, and as a result many are sceptical about a participatory election happening. Do you think free, fair and participatory elections are possible with this sharp division among political parties?
Free, fair and participatory elections are, of course, legally possible. Provided BNP does not resist. But the cited situation is certainly not desirable in an ideal democratic environment. And, even if free, fair and participatory elections are held, the legitimacy thereof may be controverted and questioned in the backdrop of major political parties not contesting and participating.
You have said earlier that the current political crisis cannot be resolved on the streets and it has to be done through dialogues. Do you see any change in the situation after the call?
It is my personal opinion that dialogues in a democracy are a means to resolving differences, fully or in part. I still do not see any substantial progress to that end.
What is needed to hold a political dialogue? Will the EC itself take any steps regarding the matter?
There ought to have been credible, respected and politically unbiased civil societies to undertake the initiatives of dialogues to resolve political disputes. They are not really visible. The EC cannot do anything in that regard.
What measures will the EC take to ensure a level playing field for all candidates in the election, and the neutrality of field-level admin officials and the police administration?
Wait and see. Let the schedule be declared. Then the EC will do its best to ensure a level playing field for all candidates as per provisions of laws and rules. Candidates will also have to understand that and cooperate.
The European Union said they would not send a full election observation mission this election, citing budget and that "it is not sufficiently clear whether the necessary conditions will be met at the point in time when the election takes place." Do you think their doubt is well-grounded?
Let them think and decide with their own wisdom. I do not feel like making any comment on that.
Will the EU decision have negative impacts on domestic and international acceptance of our elections?
I have no comments on that.
How do you see the new US visa policy? Do you believe it will effectively support Bangladesh's aim of conducting a free, fair, peaceful and inclusive national election?
I have no comments on that.
When are you going to announce the election schedule?
Probably sometime in the first half of November 2023.
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