Empower EC During Elections: M. Sakhawat

Brig. Gen. (Retd.) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain, Advisor for Textiles, Jute, and Maritime Affairs, emphasized the need to empower the Election Commission (EC) to oversee ministries during elections.

Speaking at a seminar titled "How Should Election Reforms Look?" organized by the Reporters' Forum for Election and Democracy at the CIRDAP auditorium, Dr. Sakhawat said that reports issued by the EC on officials it appoints must be treated as final, without government interference, to ensure accountability.

Election Reform as a National Priority
At the event, Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, head of the Commission for Election Reform, highlighted that the entire election process must be transparent and effective. "An election that fails to uphold democratic governance is a violation of the constitution," he said, stressing the importance of cooperation from the government, administration, and law enforcement. He also underscored the need for a neutral caretaker government during elections, stating that the Election Commission alone cannot guarantee a fair election without political parties fulfilling their responsibilities. Media, civil society, and other stakeholders must also play their roles effectively.

Dr. Badiul further stated that achieving fair and impartial elections requires political consensus and a change in political culture. While the Election Reform Commission will work with integrity and professionalism, the authority to appoint election commissioners lies with the interim government, not the reform commission.

Political Leaders Call for Reforms
BNP Vice Chairman Asaduzzaman Ripon said reforms are necessary to ensure the people remain the true sovereign of the republic. He emphasized the need to amend the election appointment laws and called for re-elections in constituencies where candidates run unopposed.

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BNP Chairperson’s Advisor, Advocate Moazzem Hossain Alal, stressed that courts should not accept election-related writs without consulting the EC during the election period.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud criticized the current election system, advocating for proportional representation and the permanent integration of a caretaker government model. He argued that elections under caretaker governments have historically been more credible and demanded the abolition of electronic voting machines (EVMs). He also suggested that civil servants should be barred from contesting elections within three years of leaving service. Furthermore, he questioned the need for political symbols and nominations in local elections and called for transferring the National ID management to the EC.

Concerns About Governance and Electoral Fairness
Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur criticized the participation of Jatiya Party representatives at the seminar, arguing that the 14-party alliance should not attend if fair elections are desired. He also called for a neutral administration and proposed drafting a new constitution. Nur supported proportional representation, stating that it should not pose problems for any group.

AB Party Member Secretary Mojibur Rahman Monju noted that candidates often try to influence presiding officers and focus excessively on who holds administrative positions like Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police during elections.

Jatiya Party Presidium Member Shamim Haider Patwary emphasized that election reform should be the primary responsibility of the interim government. He also stressed the importance of establishing a proportional representation system.

Gonosanghati Andolon’s Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki argued that the exact operational framework for the EC remains unclear. He lamented the lack of a peaceful transition of power in Bangladesh and criticized political parties for prioritizing absolute power over fair elections. He recommended that at least three to five elections should be held under interim governments and that the EC must function as an independent constitutional body. Saki also advocated for the inclusion of a "No Vote" option in ballots and suggested amending the Representation of the People Order to make it easier for political parties to register.

Collaboration for Reform
Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince stressed that electoral reforms cannot proceed without consultations with political parties. He suggested that the interim government should handle essential election preparations, while broader reforms should be implemented by the elected government. He added that a decision must be made on whether the caretaker government system should become a permanent feature of the political landscape.