Editorial
Ashraf makes a valid point
All concerned should pay heed to it
General Secretary of the Awami League Syed Ashraful Islam has stated, "Nowhere else in the world do political parties give nominations to candidates contesting elections or choose party leaders in exchange for money. It's only possible in Bangladesh." This statement is highly welcome because it has brought up an issue that is central to fairness and integrity of the election process. If at the very beginning safeguards are put in place to ward off the influence of money in the election then it is reasonable to expect that the process will be above reproach. Contrary to the conventional belief what Ashraf has suggested is not only a desirable but doable option.
During the last general election, the civil society launched a campaign for sensitising the voter about choosing honest and competent candidates with clean track records for public offices. Even their credentials were sought to be reflected on their nomination papers. In this vein, Ashraf's views against buying of nominations, popularly known as "nomination business," should be heeded and acted on.
We would like to think that the right thinking people would want this practice stopped. Furthermore, if the electoral process does not begin on a healthy note, the entire concept and practice of democracy is defeated, taking a bad hit at the very heart of the system. Therefore, free and fair nomination for election to public offices without any monetary considerations is the road to follow, based on the public's demand and on the fundamentals of democracy.
We are hopeful that fair party nominations and elections of candidates based on their merits and dedication to public service should be the norm if democracy is to be truly strengthened.
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