Hope for effective and vibrant parliament

When there is balance in the numerical strength between the government and the opposition in the National Parliament, debates and discussions on various issues, including the enactment of laws, thrive. A lively and dynamic parliament emerges from such a scenario.

This is considered as normal. However, it should be noted that in the democratic process, competition in elections can lead candidates from any political party to win seats in all constituencies. In such cases, there is no constitutional barrier. Therefore, a parliament can be devoid of an opposition party.

Although it may be said, it is improbable. Since there will always be people with different opinions in society, candidates from a single party may not win in all seats, or this perspective may not be applicable in any country."

However, the reality is that candidates contest separately for each seat in the parliament. Therefore, if a party fields candidates for all seats and all candidates emerge victorious, it may be unprecedented but not impossible."

On January 7th, in the national parliament election, the Awami League has once again secured an undisputed victory. According to the Election Commission's announced results of the last 298 seats, candidates nominated by the Awami League have won 222 seats."

The election for the Naogaon-2 constituency has been postponed by the Election Commission due to the death of a candidate before the election. The voting for this constituency will now take place on February 12th.

The election for the Mymensingh-3 constituency, scheduled for January 7th, has been postponed due to violence. The final results will be announced after the conclusion of the voting in that center on January 13th.

If the boat alliance candidates win both of these seats, the Awami League's seat count will be 224. However, if independent candidates win, then the number of independent members in the parliament will be 64.

This time, in the national parliament, the independent members are not truly independent; they are all either leaders or active supporters of the Awami League. Having failed to secure the party's nomination, they participated in the election under different symbols and emerged victorious. Consequently, these independent members essentially align with the Awami League.

Outside of this, members from national parties have won 11 seats. Apart from them, three members from other parties have also emerged victorious. As a result, in the twelfth national parliament, a true opposition will consist of these 14 members.

If they aspire to play an effective role in the parliament, the number can be a factor, but more significant is the strength of their will. Even isf members of a small opposition party desire, they can play a constructive role in national issues by engaging in substantive discussions and taking on responsible roles through debates.

In this case, the ruling party should also be open to criticism and listen to the opinions of opposition members. If it is crucial for the country, it should be acknowledged and accepted.

Under the dominance of an overwhelming majority, it is important not to hastily pass laws and instead prioritize issues that serve the public interest. If issues related to human rights violations or civic security emerge as urgent priorities, there should be an opportunity for detailed discussion on these matters. Only then can the national parliament become dynamic and vibrant.

Members of the National Parliament are elected through the votes of the general electorate. As a result, there will always be a significant number of opposition members, or it cannot be stated with certainty that there will be a balance between the ruling and opposition parties in terms of seat numbers.

Even in the current composition of the parliament, there is no scope for considering it as unusual. Rather, those who have been elected are expected to make the parliament vibrant and effective by fulfilling their responsibilities appropriately—that is the expectation.