An acid test for the EC
The Daily Star (TDS): How would you evaluate the preparation of the election commission (EC) for Dhaka and Chittagong city corporations elections?
M Shakhawat Hossain (MSH): This election was overdue. Dhaka City Corporation was divided into two in 2011. Although the government wanted to hold the elections immediately after the split, it could not because the then election commission had only one month left. Then a new commission took charge. But for some reason, the elections didn't happen. Although it was a good move on part of the election commission to have declared the election schedules, it seems that they are in a rush to hold the elections. Many have opined that there are political reasons behind this. Perhaps the government thought it would resolve the political crisis of the country by diverting the BNP-led alliance's attention to the elections.
TDS: During your tenure as an election commissioner, national as well as local government elections were held. What did the commission do to create a level playing field?
MSH: Before the 2008 national elections many laws were enacted and the electoral code of conduct was formulated after discussions with all the political parties. All the parties cooperated with the election commission at that time. That EC under Dr. Huda's leadership tried to implement the laws at any cost. It talked to people, telling them what to do and what not to do. All the candidates and voters followed the electoral code of conduct. And in all the local body elections, voter turnout was very good, especially the female voter turnout. I believe the turnout of female voters is an indicator of a free and fair election. The EC was innovative in electoral management and it took effective administrative measures regarding various issues. Therefore, more or less, one can say that there was a level playing field. The candidates or the voters were not scared.
TDS: As you know, Khaleda Zia's motorcade was attacked several times. Isn't it the duty of the EC to ensure security of the candidates and campaigners once the election schedule is declared? During this period, shouldn't the law enforcement authorities follow the orders of the EC?
MSH: When the schedule for an election is declared, the law enforcement agencies and the administration come within the purview of the EC. Let me give you an example: if there is a murder in any area, the police would do their routine job, but if the murder is related to the election, it becomes the EC's business to guide and ask the law enforcement authorities to do the needful regarding that murder. Similarly, if a candidate is harmed, chased or prevented from campaigning, it is the EC's duty to take action.
TDS: What do you have to say about the arrest of the councillor candidates of the BNP?
MSH: If they are wanted by the court, that's a different story. But if not, and they have been arrested on suspicion of doing something, this may scare the other candidates who are not supported by the government. This is intimidation, one of the elements of electoral corruption. If they are wanted by the court, the EC has little scope to do anything except to request the attorney general not to oppose bail sought by the candidates. If they are wanted by the police, the EC can ask the police not to arrest the candidates before the election.
Probably it will be very difficult to capture a booth on the election day, particularly in the capital city when everybody is watching, although some may try to stuff the ballot boxes. In Dhaka North there are 36 wards and 5892 election booths. So a mayoral candidate has to appoint 5892 agents. If the candidates are harassed, it would scare their supporters and agents. And if their agents don't turn up at the booths on election day, anything can happen there. This kind of intimidation is one way to hinder a free and fair election.
TDS: Almost all the candidates are violating the electoral codes. What can the EC do to ensure that the code of conduct is not violated?
MSH: It is the business of the EC to oversee that the code of conduct is followed by all the candidates, be it government backed candidates or opposition candidates. The EC has deployed magistrates and thirty thousand members of law enforcement agencies. So any kind of violation should be stopped by the EC -- the magistrates, returning officers, and law enforcement agencies. If any candidate violates the electoral code of conduct, it has the power to cancel their candidature. And if it fails to ensure an even-handed deal, then it will be difficult for the EC to conduct a free and fair election.
TDS: If these elections can't be held in a free and fair manner, what do you think the consequences will be?
MSH: In 2014 the first two phases of the upazila elections were held without any problems. But the last three phases of the elections were disastrous. The elections were marred by ballot box stuffing, booth capturing and intimidating the voters. The result is that the voters have lost their faith in the election process and the institutions. However, people heaved a sigh of relief when after three months of violent politics the election schedules for the three city corporations were announced. They want to participate in the elections. So the government will come under tremendous pressure if acceptable elections can't be held. Many international organisations are concerned about these elections. As you know, the United Nations has welcomed these elections, which means it wants to see a free and fair election for strengthening the democratic process in the country. And our internal politics may take a turn for the worse if the elections are not acceptable to all.
TDS: What is your view regarding army deployment during the elections?
MSH: Army is deployed on two accounts. One, if the law enforcement agencies do not do their job properly. And if people do not have faith in the law enforcers and the government institutions relating to the election. Since the army is a very disciplined force and considered a neutral body by people, they feel safe when the army is deployed. The EC should consider all the factors before taking the decision of army deployment. And there has to be specific directions as to what will be the army's role during the elections. Because the army is not a part of the law enforcement agencies as far as the election rules are concerned.
TDS: How would you evaluate the participation of young candidates in these elections?
MSH: The mayoral candidates are all young, educated and well mannered. I believe, no matter who is elected, we will see a change. What amazed me is that 75 percent of the ward commissioners are young and most of them have a clean record. I think that is what matters. If the elections are not marred by corruption, our younger generation will be interested to join politics.
Comments