The New Nation - Internet Edition

Hasnat Abdul Hye

To judge by enthusiasm, Bangladeshis' love of election knows no bounds. Both the adults who are voters and the young who have yet to attain eligibility, wallow in electioneering with a gusto in favour of their chosen candidates. Money spent acts as the grist but that alone does not explain the gaiety and excitement. The theatrics and euphoria that are given free rein turn electioneering into a veritable festival. Being gregarious and convivial, Bangladeshis relish festivals. No wonder that election campaign also turns into a joyous festivity. Granted, untoward incidents, even violence, occur during electioneering but these do not detract from the mirth and merriment of the occasion.

This year's election campaign differs from the previous ones in important respects. For one, the number of candidates in a constituency is fewer than before. This is because of the strict eligibility criteria enforced by the Election Commission. Last-minute entry into the race by independent candidates has, however, added some excitement. The presence of 'rebel candidates' in more than two dozen constituencies may have embarrassed and handicapped the two major alliances but this has intensified competition among candidates, much to the delight of their supporters. This has taken election frenzy to new heights. BNP-led alliance has been able to dissuade about a dozen rebel candidates from contesting as independent candidates, but Awami League has not been successful in this regard. Having a large number of parties in the alliance, Awami League was put in a tight spot while allocating seats, a problem that was not acute for BNP. The willingness of the 'rebel candidates' to withdraw in favour of the BNP-led alliance speaks of better organisational skill of the party and spirit of discipline among the leaders.

Apart from the number of candidates and their configuration, it is the style of campaigning that marks the main difference between the present and the past elections.

Ceiling imposed by the Election Commission on maximum amount of money that can be spent by a candidate has made election campaign less extravagant and tumultuous. Gone are the multi-coloured posters displaying the photos of candidates and their party supremo and the founder. Posters in black and white flutter, attached to ropes that are strung overhead. There are no slogans, names of candidates, symbols of parties on the walls that now look spick- and- span. This must be the first time since independence that walls have been spared from graffiti and slogans during election. Gates erected by parties and candidates, an ubiquitous scene in past electioneering, are also few and far between this time. Meetings held and processions brought out by supporters of candidates are also relatively modest affairs, in stark contrast with the past. Big rallies and meetings are, however, being held for the top leaders of the two major parties but these, too, have not been many in number because of limited time allowed under the election schedule. The discipline and simplicity seen in the present election campaign are singularly due to the careful planning by the Election Commission. The strategy to put a lid on all kinds of excesses received priority in its overall planning. As a result, it has been possible to keep criminal elements off from electioneering by and large, so far. Similar achievement has been made in stopping the infusion of black money for election campaigning, though some exceptions to this have been reported in the media. Credit should be given to the political parties and candidates also for their compliance of the rules and code of conduct prescribed by the Election Commission to regulate the activities during the campaign. The willingness to turn over a new leaf in respect of electioneering, leaving the beaten track bodes well for the future. These reforms at field level will inevitably influence the culture of politics at national level. Participation in politics and election will no longer be the exclusive preserve of those controlling black money and musclemen.

If the style of electioneering has significantly changed for the better, so has the contents of campaigns. Fulminations against rival party and leaders are still being heard but they have not crossed the limits of decency and propriety so far. On the other hand, more is being said about what the parties (alliances) will do if voted to power than negative attacks against rivals. Keeping their constituencies in view, Awami League is trying to make capital out of alleged misrule and corruption by the BNP-led alliance while they were in power. The BNP-led alliance, on the other hand, appears to be playing the religion and sovereignty cards, implying that these will be more secure if they are voted to power. These are ideological issues and matters germane to governance. The parties' (alliances) credentials are represented by these issues, particularly the ideological ones. Though these are divisive it will be unrealistic to expect an alliance to opt for something more general and neutral. Let the electorate be the final arbiter in this contest of ideas and past records. This is what election is all about.