Conflict looms without consensus on elections

It was agreed that the interim government would run the country based on discussions and consensus with various political parties and relevant stakeholders; however, as time passes, disagreements between the government and different political parties are increasing. Even on the crucial issue of state reforms, consensus has not been established. Several commissions formed for reform have submitted their proposals, but there seems to be little interest in them within the political arena. Some political parties have even raised the demand for national elections to be held by July-August. This has created a sense of hesitation within the government as well. After assuming office, the interim government strongly stated that elections would only be held after the necessary reforms, but given the changed situation, the government appears to be becoming more flexible about holding elections.

Recently, after the statement by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus that the interim government is preparing for both national and local government elections, the discussion has arisen whether local elections will take place before the national elections. According to calculations, if the interim government wants to hold local elections, it must do so before the national parliamentary elections. After the parliamentary elections, they will not have the opportunity to hold local government elections. Although there has been little support from political parties regarding holding local elections before the national elections, they argue that any election before the parliamentary election will create a crisis in the country's politics. They also emphasize the importance of prioritizing public aspirations. In this situation, it seems unlikely that the government and the Election Commission will be able to hold local elections before the national elections. This is because, without the consensus of political parties, organizing local elections could put the interim government in a difficult position.

The most vocal opposition to local elections comes from one of the country’s largest political parties, the BNP. The party’s General Secretary, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, has stated firmly, "There is no question of holding local parliamentary elections before the national parliamentary elections." Not only BNP, but nearly all like-minded parties also demand national elections, not local ones. BNP leaders believe that conducting national elections after completing essential reforms would be a significant reform in itself. In the post-uprising period, when political unity is needed, the conflicting positions of political parties on various issues have caused public concern. In particular, BNP no longer wants to give the interim government more time. Earlier, the party had been calling for elections to be held as soon as possible after the necessary reforms, but recently, they have shifted their stance and are demanding national elections by July-August.

The National Citizens’ Committee, formed through the participation of students in the popular uprising, has expressed support for holding local elections before the national elections. Jamaat-e-Islami has also subtly endorsed local elections first. Although there is no precedent for holding local government elections before national elections in post-independence Bangladesh, the newly formed Election Commission has stated that they are preparing, considering the potential timing of the Chief Adviser’s election. However, BNP remains rigid. There is an invisible fear within the party—a fear of not being able to come to power. The party has been out of power for nearly 18 years, and in the absence of the Awami League, it is now the most popular political party. If elections are held now, they are highly confident they will come to power with a significant majority. Their concern is that if local elections are held before the national elections, delays could lead to something unforeseen in the country. Through various tactics, they fear being once again kept away from power. For this reason, they are desperate for the national elections to take place. Although they do not openly acknowledge this fear.

BNP leaders have recently criticized the interim government, stating that the government is focusing on reforms instead of addressing issues such as elections, law and order, and the rising prices of essential goods, which is worsening the suffering of the people. They argue that the interim government does not have the mandate to hold local elections. The national parliamentary elections must be organized first, and it is the elected government that will arrange local elections. They view the organization of local elections as an attempt to delay the national elections and divert attention from the main issues.

Moreover, BNP believes that at this moment, the country lacks a local government structure, administrative strength, and the necessary communication between the interim government and the grassroots level. They argue that once the parliamentary elections are held, a structure will be created, and the elected government will decide on local elections. However, this stance of BNP does not seem to be acceptable to other parties. Jamaat-e-Islami and the Islamic Andolon believe that holding elections hastily without the necessary reforms would be self-destructive, as it would pave the way for the return of the previous fascist regime. However, there are several parties, including the National Citizens’ Committee, that support holding local government elections under the interim government before the national elections.

They consider the recent survey results by BBS to be reasonable. The BBS survey indicates that 65 per cent of the population wants local government elections to be held before the upcoming national parliamentary elections. The survey results show that 64.97 per cent of people are in favor of holding elections at all levels of local government during the interim government's tenure before the national elections. In contrast, 29 per cent of people want local government elections to take place after the national elections. Additionally, nearly 70 per cent of people support making local government elections non-partisan, while about 28 per cent advocate for conducting these elections with party symbols.

It is true that for people deprived of local government services, the importance of local elections is immense. Since the interim government took office, mayors and councilors elected during the previous government's tenure have been dismissed, and district and upazila councils have been dissolved. While Union Parishad chairmen and members remain in office, most of them are either absconding or absent from their duties. As a result, there is a near-complete lack of civic services in city corporations, municipalities, and union councils across the country. People are facing significant difficulties in obtaining services such as birth and death registration, citizenship certificates, and other civic services. In some unions, administrative duties have been assigned to UNOs or other government officials.

A small number of government officials have managed to keep routine operations running with some patchwork efforts. However, this has not filled the vacancies left by councilors, members, and other public representatives. The provision of citizen services has almost come to a standstill. A chairman typically provides services like citizenship certificates and birth registrations to around 50 people daily. It is not possible for a UNO or any government official to provide these services. To get a signature from the UNO, one has to go to the upazila, and even then, they do not always sign immediately. First, the document has to be submitted to the secretary, and if the secretary approves, the signature is provided a day or two later. As a result, people's difficulties increase, and the cost of traveling to and from the upazila also rises. Ordinary people feel that there is an urgent need to resolve this situation quickly.

Nonetheless, the decision on whether the national elections or local elections will be held first should be made based on discussions with political parties. In fact, local government elections are more complex than national elections, involving extensive operations. It takes considerable time for the Election Commission and local administration to prepare. Political parties also need time to prepare. Moreover, making local government elections completely free from conflict is a major challenge. If local elections are held before the national elections, there is a concern that it could sow the seeds of new conflict in the country's politics. This is an issue that cannot be overlooked.

Chiroranjan Sarker: Columnist