Political parties urged to be responsible for ensuring voters' security

Ensuring voting and voter security has become a challenge ahead of the upcoming national elections, said a recent servey.

Democracy International conducted the public poll and found that 92 percent of voters would not vote for a candidate or party involved in violence. In this scenario, it has become imperative for any candidate or party to regain the confidence of the voters and secure the electoral environment.

In this context, Jamuna Television and Democracy International have jointly organized a dialogue on 'Vote and Voters' Security'. The event was attended by representatives of political parties, election experts, researchers and media. Election violence, voter security and accountability of political parties were among the issues discussed in the dialogue.

"Electoral violence is no longer a future fear, it is a present reality," said Democracy International's Chief of Party Catherine Sicily. The survey found that 27 percent of voters are still undecided, and the violence is not only hindering voter turnout, but also undermining acceptance of the entire electoral process.

Professor of Sociology Department of Dhaka University Samina Lutfa said that clear steps are not being taken to ensure the safety of women, minorities and ethnic minorities before and after the elections. Political parties are not maintaining their vigilance and discipline properly, thereby raising concerns.

Advocate Humaira Noor, joint secretary of National Citizen Party, said, "Influential branches of major political parties are putting the safety of candidates at risk.This is creating major hurdles in the way of fair and impartial elections."

Channel 24's senior reporter Jania Kabiri Souchona said that it is important to ensure the presence of media workers during the election as per the law. So that voters can participate in an informed and unbiased environment and political parties cannot influence.

Speakers at the dialogue agreed that visible action by political parties to ensure polling and voter safety, party discipline and strong stance against violence are now the main expectations of citizens. Besides, they requested the Election Commission and the administration to keep the election environment safe by playing a neutral and active role.

Chief Director of Democracy International Abdul Alim said many weapons have not yet been recovered since the July uprising, putting poll security at risk. Therefore, all political parties should unite and take the initiative of making specific security guidelines for voters.

Ashrupa Haque Chowdhury, Programme Manager of Democracy International moderated the dialogue.