The New Nation - Internet Edition

Talha Bin Habib

Political parties, professionals, member of civil society and people as a whole consider the long awaited ninth parliament election, only two days ahead critically important for the smooth transition of power to a democratically elected government in the country.

Voters irrespective of their political affiliation and beliefs are eagerly waiting to exercise their valued franchise in the election to choose their representatives.

The caretaker government has completed all preparations to conduct the elections in a free and fair manner. Besides, steps have been taken to ensure a level playing field for all political parties for December 29 polls.

The electioneering will come to end from midnight tomorrow. Candidates and their activists are conducting their last minute polls campaign heart and soul to woo the voters amid chilly weather.

The UN and the donor countries are sincerely want restoration of democracy in the country. To monitor the polls, the European Union Election Observation Mission (EUEOM) and delegation of International Observers from the National Democratic Institute (NDI) have already arrived in the country.

Citizens are the real 'owner' of the country. Country's peace, prosperity, development and attainment of sustainable democracy largely depend on active participation of the people in the electoral process and taking judicious decision for electing their chosen candidates, said a civil society member preferring anonymity.

The US Ambassador to Bangladesh James F Moriarty said that the United States has important interests in Bangladesh and wants to see a return to democracy and will work well with whatever government comes to power.

In his opening remarks to the Congressional Committee recently he said " In my view, other than last month's (November) election in the US there will be no more transformational election in the world this year than the parliamentary elections schedule for December 29 in Bangladesh.

In an interview with VOA recently he spells out three priorities for the would be winner of Bangladesh elections. They are focus on restoring full democracy, development and denying opportunities for terrorism to flourish.

Any successful government in Bangladesh has to address their three issues. Otherwise, he says in advance "Bangladesh will face even greater challenges than it does at present," he added.

On one hand Bangladesh has been facing recurring natural disasters, endemic corruption, growing intolerance and a growing population, 86 percent of whom subsist on less than two dollars a day. On the other Bangladesh is on the brink of a historic democratic transition that could make country model of governance for other moderate Muslims nations.

US Congressman Joseph Crowely, Chair of the Bangladesh Caucus said, he would do his best to ensure that the United States remain committed to Bangladesh's future progress by enhancing American assistance and helping the country in its quest for better access to US market.

Leader of the UN appraisal team panel Francesc Vendrell said UN wants to see all political parties run the elections and accept the results.

" We want to see all parties accept the results with winners extending friendly hands to the loser and winners not take everything and throw the loser into outer region," he said.

Vendrell has submitted his team's report to the UN Secretary General in New York Ban-ki Moon.

Rashed Khan Menon and Habib-un- Nabi Khan Sohel of Awami League grand alliance and BNP led four-party alliance respectively contesting from Dhaka-8 constituency, said they do not believe in politics of vengeance and confrontation. They were of the view the newly elected MP's should contribute to the parliament effective and pro-people.

Talking to the New Nation some city dwellers said whatever the party comes to power it should devote themselves to the task of addressing the country's problems an urgent basis. They want essential commodities with affordable price and politics free from confrontation chaos and violence.

They also look forward to establishing a relationship between the government and the opposition in parliament where all issues will be settled through debates. In the process of switching over to democracy the government and the opposition should not treat themselves each other as adversaries.

The political parties should not believe in grudge and revenge but in peaceful co-existence. Government and the opposition should not be rivals and have to probe themselves responsible, according to them.

Any attempt to subvert the democratic process could plunge the into chaos and endemic poverty. Peace is pre-requisite for development. Bangladesh could emerge as peaceful and mid level earning country in South Asia, they opined.