Proposed election commission reforms: Will our festive elections return?
Elections are meant to be the voice of the people, but in Bangladesh, they’ve become tools of the powerful. Can sweeping reforms restore what’s been lost?
In Bangladesh, the biggest national celebration is not an annual event—it comes every five years, or at least it is supposed to. This grand occasion is none other than the election, fondly referred to as 'Vote.'
Bangladeshis have a profound passion for elections. They revel in the excitement, the fierce competition, and the local rivalries that elections bring. For them, elections make democracy and governance tangible—it is the one time when the voices of ordinary people genuinely seem to matter. However, the Awami League has committed a cardinal sin in this regard. They have deprived the people of their festival not once but three times, staging sham elections that mocked democracy and betrayed the public's trust.
The decline began with the 2014 parliamentary elections, following the abolition of the caretaker government system. This was, quite transparently, a ploy to eliminate opposition voices from parliament. With 153 MPs elected unopposed in what many described as a political farce, the Awami League secured an unchallenged grip on power. It was nothing short of a travesty.
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The 2018 election deepened the erosion of public trust, with reports of ballot-stuffing before polling day. In broad daylight, opposition members were intimidated, assaulted, and marginalised. The night before the polls became infamously known as the 'Midnight Election.'
Probing the rigged elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024 isn't just about justice—it's about rebuilding trust in the system
By 2024, the electoral system had become a complete farce, with ruling party candidates competing against party-affiliated independents to create an illusion of competition. These events highlight the Election Commission's failure to act as an impartial guardian of democracy.
Dire consequences of electoral malpractice
The fallout from these manipulated elections has been severe. Citizens were denied their constitutional right to choose their representatives, dissent was stifled through draconian laws, and the very fabric of democracy was torn apart. The Election Commission, constitutionally bound to function independently, became a puppet of the ruling party. Law enforcement agencies, tasked with ensuring free and fair elections, were weaponised to suppress opposition voices. Even the judiciary, a cornerstone of democracy, was misused to silence dissent.
Proposed electoral reforms
Despite this grim history, the reforms proposed by the Electoral Reform Commission offer a glimmer of hope. If implemented, these recommendations could transform Bangladesh's electoral landscape.
One of the key proposals is to mandate re-elections in constituencies where voter turnout falls below 40%. This aims to combat low participation and voter apathy, ensuring elections truly reflect the people's will.
The reintroduction of a "No Vote" option is another significant step towards empowering voters. Initially introduced in 2009, this provision allows citizens to reject all candidates. If "No Vote" wins, the election in that constituency will be cancelled, and the rejected candidates barred from contesting the re-election. This measure amplifies voter voices and compels political parties to nominate candidates with integrity and wide appeal.
Transparency in party finances is another critical aspect of the reforms. Capping individual donations at Tk50 lakh and requiring all contributions to go through banks will curb the influence of money in politics. Regular audits of party funds and annual updates of party membership lists will further enhance accountability and trust.
The reforms also seek to make the political landscape more inclusive by reserving 10% of party nominations for youth, minorities, and persons with disabilities. Additionally, requiring candidates to have at least three years of party membership encourages long-term commitment to political service.
The proposal to abolish electronic voting machines (EVMs) reflects public sentiment about their reliability. Instead, the focus will return to manual voting, ensuring transparency and verifiability.
Another transformative recommendation is the reintroduction of a bicameral legislative system. An upper house with proportional representation would provide a platform for marginalised groups, intellectuals, and civil society, enriching parliamentary discourse.
Strengthening democratic institutions
Central to the reform agenda is strengthening the independence of the Election Commission. Granting it full authority to recruit officials, suspend or cancel elections, and enforce campaign finance rules will enable it to function autonomously. Ensuring the executive branch remains accountable to the EC during elections is vital for a level playing field.
The establishment of a special investigation commission to probe the rigged elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024 is a bold move towards accountability. Penalising those responsible for undermining electoral integrity would help restore public trust in the system. Additionally, the disqualification of candidates convicted of crimes under the International Crimes Tribunal Act or for serious human rights violations reinforces a commitment to ethical governance.
The proposal for a caretaker government to oversee elections is perhaps the most contentious yet essential reform. Given Bangladesh's history, where only non-partisan caretaker governments have delivered free and fair elections, this measure could be pivotal. The recommendation to form a National Constitutional Council to select the chief adviser ensures transparency and broad-based acceptance.
The emphasis on conducting local government elections before national polls is another crucial recommendation. Decentralising power and ensuring non-partisan local elections would strengthen grassroots democracy and reduce the centralisation of power, which has long plagued Bangladesh's political landscape.
Implementing these reforms will undoubtedly face resistance from those benefiting from the current system. However, growing international pressure for electoral integrity and domestic demands for accountability provide a unique opportunity for change. While the challenges are significant, the potential rewards—a fair, transparent, and inclusive electoral system—are worth the effort. For a nation that has endured decades of electoral malpractice, these reforms represent not just policy changes but a reclamation of its democratic ideals.
