241 constituencies see no competition: TIB

The anti-corruption organization Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) claimed that 241 out of 299 constituencies saw no significant competition in the 12th parliamentary elections.

“The 12th parliamentary election was not held in a free, fair and inclusive manner. This election is an ominous sign for the future of democracy,” TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said during a press conference held at its Dhanmondi office in the capital on Wednesday.

Iftekharuzzaman ‍said, "Although pro-awami league independent candidates participated in the elections to appear competitive and participatory, the elections were not contested in most of the constituencies. The election was not held inclusively in 241 constituencies out of 299 parliamentary seats."

In the research of TIB researchers Mahfuzur Haque, Mahfuzur Haque, Newazul Mawla, and Sajedul Islam - it is claimed that most of the constituencies were not contested due to the absence of 15 registered parties including BNP.

According to TIB, the ruling party adopted various strategies to make the elections appear participatory, competitive and festive. Awami League had more independent candidates than their nominated candidates. 269 independent candidates contested against 266 nominated candidates.

According to TIB's research report, there were no polling agents for candidates other than Awami League and independent candidates in most centers across the country on election day. Opposition candidates are prevented from entering the center by threatening agents.

According to the TIB researchers, at least 15.43 percent of votes were cast in the last hour of the election while the total voter turnout was shown at 41.8 percent which sparked controversy in the people’s minds.