Sweden’s proportional election and reality of Bangladesh

Democracy in Bangladesh stands today at a difficult crossroads. On the one hand, we move forward with a constitutional promise of democracy; on the other hand, in reality, political occupation, dynastic rule, party extortion, and one-party authoritarian governance obstruct our path. Elections are no longer a reflection of public opinion—they have become a cruel strategy for consolidating power. To resolve this crisis, structural reform of the electoral system is now the demand of the time. The Proportional Representation (PR) system, used in many democratic countries around the world, is now a timely and realistic alternative for Bangladesh. In my four decades of experience as a citizen, researcher, and voter in Sweden, I have seen how a PR-based parliamentary democracy can lead a society towards justice, peace, and progress.

In Sweden, no single party gains an absolute majority in parliament, hence coalition-building becomes mandatory. This fosters political tolerance, a culture of dialogue, and mutual responsibility. In candidate nominations, internal party democracy and public opinion are prioritised, thereby weakening dynastic politics and financial control. Teachers, women, immigrants, workers—all get opportunities to enter parliament based on merit. Bribes are unnecessary; there is no system of buying nominations with money as competence and public engagement are the main capital here. The duties of parliament members are limited. They are responsible only for policymaking and legislation. They have no authority to interfere in allocations, jobs, or personal recommendations. As a result, trust in the people has been built and 80-90 percent voter participation in elections is ensured.

The reality in Bangladesh is the exact opposite. The position of MP has become like an “investment project”—where securing a nomination requires crores of taka in bribes, possibly sourced from corrupt money. After spending so much money to get elected, MPs become local monsters. They control market committees, recommend for government jobs, divide allocations, and even interfere in brick contracts for construction of roads. Their main objective becomes recovering their investment—not changing the people’s fate. The value of votes here is also destroyed. Votes are bought with money before the election, votes are completed at dead of night with the help of the administration, and voters know—their vote has no value. As a result, people lose faith in democracy. This is a mutually destructive cycle—people’s hopes become worthless, and politics becomes a centre of looting.

To break this cycle, two structural transformations are needed—together and simultaneously. First, elections must be conducted under the PR system. This will allow competent, publicly connected candidates a place on the party list; not financially powerful ones. Nomination trade will be eliminated, as nominations will be determined by internal democratic processes. Elected MPs will be responsible only for legislation—they will no longer be involved in lobbying, allocation distribution, or job recommendations.

Secondly, responsibility for development must be given to local government. Allocations, project implementation, and public services will be conducted through elected representatives at the district and upazila levels. Local development will be based on people’s real needs—not on the electoral promises of any MP. The administration will be supportive—but not controlling. If these two structures—a PR-based parliamentary election and empowered local government—are implemented together, a new era will begin in Bangladesh’s political culture and administrative structure. It is important to ensure that local elections are held first, if possible, as in Sweden, local and national elections should be held on the same day. This will reduce time, cost, and administrative complexity, and simultaneously increase public participation significantly. As a result, people will be able to play an effective role in determining the future of the country and their local areas at once.

Development does not only mean roads and infrastructure; development means ensuring justice, services, and opportunities in people’s lives. Why would an MP who spent crores of taka to get elected work for the people’s development? His first goal is to recover his investment. This mindset can be changed by the PR system—where leadership means public engagement, and power means responsibility.

Now the question is, what exactly is the PR system? Proportional Representation (PR) is a democratic electoral system in which political parties get parliamentary seats in proportion to the percentage of votes they receive. If a party gets 30 percent of the votes, it receives 30 percent of the seats. Every vote has value—no vote is wasted. In the current First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system, only the highest vote-getter wins; all other votes become ‘invisible’. This leads to a lack of political representation, a crisis of trust, and the spread of divisive politics.

Characteristics of the PR system:
* Ensures justice and equal rights
* Fosters dialogue and tolerance
* Brings transparency in nominations
* Increases voter confidence and participation
* Creates diversity in leadership

In Bangladesh’s diverse reality, implementing PR is essential. Because under FPTP:

* Dissenting voices are suppressed
* Power is concentrated in families and cliques
* Voter trust erodes
* Parliament becomes a platform for group interests

In Sweden, I have seen with my own eyes the successful implementation of the PR system. Due to the lack of absolute majority, dialogue becomes mandatory. Teachers, immigrants, bus drivers—all classes are represented in parliament. Voter participation is 85-90 percent. The political environment is civil, reason-based, and empathetic.

However, PR is no magic wand. It is only a doorway, and to pass through it, we need political goodwill, an accountable administration, an independent and courageous media, an aware civil society, and a capacity for national self-criticism.

PR is not just a mechanical reform; it is a cultural revolution. After the destruction of Hiroshima in 1945, Japan said, “We shall not repeat the evil.” Can we now stand and say we shall no longer let the nation be destroyed by our own children’s hands? Can we build such a Bangladesh, where the souls of 3 million martyrs can peacefully say, “Our blood was not shed in vain?”

Rahman Mridha: Researcher, author and former director, Pfizer Sweden