Municipal elections
A H Arif / driknews
Amidst boisterous clamours, peremptory assertions, threats of 'resistance' and rejections by our old band of politicians, the elections to a number of municipalities and four corporations were held on 4 August. They were peaceful, free, fair and spontaneously participated by more than 80% of voters. In some centres it was up to 93%. This record turn out sends a message clear and loud. The political parties especially the big two who developed a mindset of leading the nation alternately as self-appointed guardians of the people, do not miss a single opportunity to affirm that they are the voice and conscience of the nation and decisions of the CTG ought to be taken as per their demands and dictates. The vast majority of the people wanted elections at grassroots level for their welfare to be brought about by leaders of the locality. The so-called national leaders' best endeavours to stall the local elections were set at naught forcing them to join the campaign at the end. However, some parties that remained “uncompromising” in their stance to oppose it found themselves as sick and wounded lions, and ultimately extended support to the rebel party candidates. The elections established the following facts. 1. People wanted elections at local levels. 2. The govt. is capable of holding free, fair, credible and acceptable elections. 3. Contrary to the propaganda, elections can be held under emergency rules with required relaxations only. 4. Emergency rules ensured fair elections by curbing muscle power, show of wealth and rampant coercion by the activists of the political parties. 5. Vast majority of voters outside the so-called 'vote banks' of the leaders is the major factor to be reckoned with in holding any future elections. 6. Political parties should be guided by peoples' will and the will of a few higher-ups in political parties should not be imposed on the people. 7. Elections for the upazila can (and should) be held before the national elections in December 2008. 8.Actions and utterances of some of the newly appointed city corporation mayors portend hope and assurance that there had been a qualitative shift in the mindset and style of leadership at the mid-level. We congratulate the CTG, CEC, voters and the contestants in the recent elections.
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