The New Nation - Internet Edition

LESS than seven weeks are to go before the eagerly awaited parliamentary elections to form a new government. All expectations appear to be centring on the surety of holding the election addressing various problems, generally speaking. Rejection by the High Court of the writ petitions challenging the delimitation of parliamentary constituencies paved the way for the announcement of the election schedule yesterday by the Chief Election Commissioner. But challenges remain because the two sides of the broad political divide still remain poles apart about some issues relevant to the holding of the elections.

While the Awami League and its allies welcomed the High Court decision and also the announcement of the schedules, the BNP and its allies did not spell out a reaction. A meeting called by the BNP-led alliance last night was adjourned till today. The BNP and its alliance partners have very recently sharply criticised the Election Commissioners for some of their utterances. After yesterday's High Court Division bench's decision, some of their leaders reportedly looked forward to announcement of schedule in consultation with political leaders. The Election Commission, on the other hand, heaved a sigh of relief that it had the opportunity to announce the schedules on the date set earlier.

From what came out through statements from leaders of both the major parties and their alliance partners in recent weeks it was clear that all of them wanted the elections to be held on December 18 for a transition to democracy. The Election Commission has responded to the demand of the major parties relating to Upazila elections shifting it by four days. With the schedules now announced the commission as well as the parties should play responsible roles to make the whole exercise a success. The less the commission engages is controversy the better.