Waiting for the voters

Regardless of how the election turns out, journalists are not experiencing a reduction in professional busyness. On the morning of the election day, when I stepped out of my home, the streets were quiet and deserted. This scene is not limited to the morning or early hours of Election Day; even on Saturday midnight, when returning home, the streets were eerily empty. There could be two reasons for this. This time, the election falls on a Sunday, which means it's a public holiday. Coupled with the weekend, it has created an extended break for many. Taking advantage of this opportunity, a lot of people may have left Dhaka or even the country for a short vacation.

More significantly, on Friday night, opposition groups attempted to create panic by setting fire to the Benapole Express, leading to the tragic deaths of four people. The night before the election, political miscreants set fire to 21 centers in 14 districts across the country. Even in those incidents, ordinary people may feel somewhat fearful and insecure. However, the more substantial concern is that the morning in December is passing lazily for many, with the chill of winter lingering in the air.

Even though the streets of Dhaka are quiet on a winter morning, I have been astonished to see images of the outskirts of Dhaka while coming to the office. As early in the morning, voters are forming long lines at various polling centers. The lines, especially those of women voters, are particularly surprising to me. Many in the villages cast their votes early in the morning and then engage in their daily chores.

In this election, there is no excitement over the victory or defeat of political parties. Among the 44 registered parties, 28 are participating in the election. However, the Awami League's solid grip on power is certain for the fourth consecutive time. Despite that, to create a sense of competition, the Awami League has opened the opportunity for opposition members to participate in the party's internal elections. This move has resulted in more competition than expectations.

In at least 100 constituencies, there will be a strong competition between candidates symbolized by the Awami League-endorsed 'Boat' and candidates supported by the Awami League-affiliated 'Eagle' or 'Truck' symbols. This time, the main battle is essentially within the Awami League itself. Before the election, three lives were lost in pre-election violence. On the morning of the election, a supporter of a boat symbol candidate lost his life in Mirkadim, Munshiganj.

Not victory, but the biggest challenge in this election for the Awami League is to bring voters to the polling centers. However, it is predicted that voters won't turn out in large numbers. Where there is competition, voters will come out, but the problem lies in the fact that there is no competitive environment in Dhaka. There is some level of competition in Dhaka-4, Dhaka-5, and Dhaka-18 within the city corporation. However, a fierce battle is expected in Dhaka-1 and Dhaka-19 constituencies. Therefore, voter turnout is expected to be higher in those areas.

BNP has not participated; rather, it has announced election boycott and is attempting to disrupt the election. There is no opportunity for election disruption. However, in the absence of BNP, there is less festivity at the polling stations. In this election, foreign journalists and observers are under strict scrutiny. However, foreign observers and journalists are giving more importance to the electoral process than the presence of voters. So far, no complaints have been found regarding the electoral process. Instead, the voting process is being conducted accurately, impartially, and peacefully.

On winter morning, various centers were waiting for voters. However, as the day progresses, the cold is diminishing the sun is peeking through the fog and the voting lines are getting longer.

It's regrettable that if there were a participatory, competitive election across the country, it would have been a more vibrant celebration of democracy. Nonetheless, let the electoral process continue undisturbed. Let people come out to cast their votes.

Time: 11:28 AM
Author: Head of News, ATN News.