How useful are election manifestos in politics

An election manifesto is a critical issue in a democratic regime, although there is no obligation to declare one. A party may or may not declare a manifesto, though it is a custom. This manifesto is a statement of a party's promises, goals, and policies when it forms the government. All major political parties of a country provide their manifesto, i.e., inform the people of their plans. Accordingly, people can decide which party's plan they will support. Initially, it is better to say one thing: no wealthy or impoverished country can ever fully implement the election manifesto. Realistically, it is not possible.

In this case, the implementation initiative is the key. However, if a party forgets to implement its election manifesto and, instead, does the opposite after coming to power, it is tantamount to deceit and breaking faith with the nation. The manifesto becomes worthless, and the government loses credibility. So, the election manifesto is not just a word. Elections will be held on January 7 as per the election schedule in Bangladesh. Awami League and Jatiya Party, the two major parties participating in this election, have announced their manifestos. If BNP had participated in the polls, they would have published their manifesto, too. First, the Jatiya Party announced the election manifesto of the 12th National Assembly (Jatiya Sangsad) on December 21, and just ten days before the election, Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina declared her party's election manifesto.

In the manifesto announced by the Jatiya Party on December 21, they prioritized some of the policies of Hussain Muhammad Ershad's regime, such as the introduction of a provincial system, the re-establishment of Guchchgram Pathakoli Trust, the establishment of Islamic ideals and values. Also, there are traditional promises of other developments in their manifestos. On the other hand, the Awami League has made many promises where they have tried to say something new. The Awami League had to be cautious in announcing the manifesto, although some minor flaws remained. I will come to that later. The slogan of Awami League's manifesto this year is 'Smart Bangladesh: Development is visible, employment will increase this time.' The motto in the 2008 election manifesto was Manifesto for Change (Din Badel Sanad), the 2014 slogan was Bangladesh is Moving Forward, and in 2018, it was Bangladesh on the March to Prosperity.

With each slogan, the party's vision has changed little by little. The reason is apparent. There is no way to deny that during this long rule of the Awami League, the entire country's infrastructural development, people's purchasing power, and social life have undergone massive changes. People are frustrated with commodity prices, but that doesn't mean shortages are as prevalent as before 2008. Awami League is also aware of this. That is why, among the 11 issues that have been given special priority, the first is to say, 'to make every effort to keep the price of goods within the purchasing power of all.' However, the government's failure to break market syndicates is the most significant source of people's dissatisfaction with commodity prices. People think that despite having such strong branches of administration, the syndicate could not be broken for two reasons: 1. Corruption of officials and employees, and 2. circumventing the necessary steps of the government not to disturb certain quarters.

The Awami League government has emphasized the transition from Digital Bangladesh to Smart Bangladesh in a booming voice. That is because technology has developed in the country, and there has been a fantastic expansion. As people are encouraged to use technology with time, the government has also played a supportive role in the use of technology. The government has encouraged the use of technology in almost all service organizations, although implementation is not yet possible in all areas. The government has established technology facilities in departments, offices, and ministries, but a lack of dedication to their use remains. For example, the websites of most ministries and departments are not updated. Some ministries have not updated, even in the last ten years after the web attachment. It's dark under the light of technology success! Technologists may say good, but like ordinary people, we also think that the present cybersecurity is inadequate to protect the country's information and economy from hacking. In Smart Bangladesh's case, emphasis on this issue will be needed.

It is better if it can be achieved. However, it does not seem that everything in the manifesto of the Awami League can be fulfilled in the next five years. For example, prioritizing making healthcare affordable for low-income or poor people requires massive expenditure, comprehensive planning, vigorous law enforcement, and corruption eradication. The health insurance situation in the country so far is very fragile. What is there is insufficient; bringing the poor population under its umbrella will be challenging. It has been observed in the manifesto that although family welfare is mentioned, there is no mention of family planning. Family planning is lagging in Bangladesh, which should have been one of the country's priorities. The country is experiencing a population explosion. The world's most densely populated country has already reached an unprecedented level. It has been said to increase efficiency and capacity in the financial sector, including banks. Bangladeshi economists believe that defaulted loans are the main obstacle to the financial sector's capacity.

The next government must reach the place of success from failure in recovering defaulted loans. In that case, it will be necessary to take strict action against defaulters. There are two types of defaulters: willful and involuntary. Will it be possible to implement the honesty, courage, and initiative required to sort it out? Sufficient success seems possible if the government is willing. Agricultural mechanization is the need of the hour. Banks should be encouraged, and agricultural machinery should be delivered to the marginal farmers. Without it, agricultural mechanization will not succeed. In this case, money and transparency, which Bangladesh has long lacked, will be required.

Awami League should have announced the manifesto earlier than ten days before the elections. Maybe it didn't because of political reality. But a government does not work only on the manifesto. New initiatives must be taken to deal with new realities. But it is also a particular aspect of the government's duty to ensure that no deviation in the public service is mentioned or said in the manifesto. In the Awami League manifesto, it is said to ensure the effectiveness and accountability of law enforcement agencies. The mantra of overall development is hidden in this small word, "Responsibility." If this is ensured, law and order, security, and measures against loan defaults, from money laundering to providing services to people in all areas, fulfilling the people's hopes is possible.

Author: Writer and journalist