Badrul Islam
Turkey, recently, through elections overcame a political crisis that
ensued because the Military and the Opposition secular Party, both,
blocked the nomination of its Foreign Minister, Abdullah Gul, whose
wife wears a headscarf. They felt that country's secularism was in
danger. The ruling Islamist-oriented Justice and Development (AK)
Party refuted this claim and also denied that it wants to turn
Turkey into an Iranian style theocracy.
In the Election campaign Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Eurodan,
Turkey's most popular politician, urged voters to grant him a fresh
five-year mandate, "to continue the AK's record of strong economic
growth, rising living standards and falling inflations". Erodan
said "God willing, Turkey is going to be brighter with AK
party's "BULB"(the Election symbol of AK). Results confirmed that
the ruling AK party won by a large margin.
Voters indicated that they voted for candidates who emphasised on
improving the life of workers, Civil servants and retirees; while
others for Candidates who realized the importance of Education and
Health system and defend the founder of the Republic, Mustafa Kemal
Ataturks's ideas.
Bangladesh citizens have an important lesson to learn from this
above information. 1. Politicians should learn that 'Elections' is
the only means to overcome political crisis and that winning it
depends on an "agenda" that raises the hopes of the Citizen for an
enriched and secured life. 2. Voters should learn that their votes
should be cast in favour of the candidate who would have the
required experience to formulate educational, health, agricultural
and other service system that improve the lives of voters.
Now lets analyze the developments taking place in Bangladesh towards
Elections 2008. The Chief Adviser's efforts is widely appreciated
both at home and abroad for restructuring the Election Commission
(EC) and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for holding a " Free,
Fair and Impartial" Election in december 2008. Media reports states
that 10 per cent work on voter list including issue of voter
I.D.Card has been completed and that the remaining 90 percent will
be completed in good time.
The Care Taker Government (CTG) has also declared that Local
Government bodies' elections will be held prior to National
Elections. These are positive signs and Citizens are hopeful that
Democracy will be re-established. Why are Voters, then, feeling so
non-chalant about this upcoming election?
My research done over the last month reveals that the voters don't'
feel that environment for Elections are yet very conducive and that
for such, to happen in the future, various factors need to be
resolved on a priority basis. Lets discuss those point by point: -
First, on the issue of voters registration, voters feel that EC
needs to clarify:-(A) as to whether they will publish the fully
completed Voter List for public scrutiny and how will an eligible
Voter, if left out, get registered with ID Card and (B) about the
eligibility and registration process for the non-resident
Bangladeshis abroad.
Secondly, on the issue of its dialogue with Political Parties,
Voters feel that EC needs to clarify, what would be their course of
action, if, (1) the dialogues with the politicians are not fruitful
or half fruitful or if (2) both the two major Parties surprises the
EC, by insisting that their party chiefs (not yet convicted) be
released for a while and be allowed to join the discussion as they
are unable to decide for themselves. Voters wonder if the EC Members
are prepared to overcome such hurdles?
Thirdly, the ACC has filed cases against the Leaders, the senior
politicians, businessmen and bureaucrats affiliated with politics,
on various charges of alleged corruption and criminal activities. It
is my strong belief that voters are eagerly waiting to know the
final verdicts from the courts against them, especially, of the
Leaders of the major parties, because two very different political
environments will exist in the country, depending on, either their
conviction or innocence.
Fourthly, till date, none of the political Parties could in unison,
decide on: - (1) the terms of internal reforms, (2) democratic
procedures for selecting their candidature for presenting them to
the Voters and finally, (3) their party agenda for development of
Bangladesh. The parties allege that they cannot solve these three
points as under SOE political activity is banned. Voters feel that
it is important that these three points be resolved at the earliest
and therefore the CTG must device some procedures to facilitate the
politicians.
In conclusion, I wish to believe that CTG during its ten months
experience (January- October 2007) have very well understood that in
order to fulfill its commitments and restore the confidence of the
voters it must finalize the above mentioned four points at the
earliest. Bangladeshis, at home and abroad the international
community and donor countries are looking forward to a successful
election in 2008, leading to transfer of power to the elected
representatives; and that's the hallmark to a legitimate government.
Welcome to the land of democracy.
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