'100 percent level playing field not possible'
This is the second time we have heard an election commissioner come out with an outlandish comment on ensuring level playing field in the election, suggesting that it is not possible to guarantee cent percent of equal opportunity for all candidates.
Whereas in other countries, with established values and strong institutions, run by competent people, that is a given, in Bangladesh it seems that such a state of equilibrium is a favour doled out by the ruling party, the government agencies and the election commission.
May we ask if not hundred percent then how much of a level playing field would the EC be prepared to or be able to provide? How much of it would the EC be happy with? Such comments are not only a dampener, it also suggests an admission of failure and acceptance of a fait accompli.
As it is, there is sharp difference of opinion within the commission regarding all parties and candidates having the benefit of a fair and conducive environment for campaigning. It is difficult to believe the CEC's assertion that everything is hunky-dory and that all the parties are being able to conduct electioneering without any hindrance. The reality speaks otherwise.
We have said repeatedly in the past that this EC has failed to generate confidence amongst the greater majority of the voters, not only because of its performance during the many local elections in the last five years but also because of the injudicious comments that have come from some of the commissioners from time to time, often betraying the commission's helplessness or its unwillingness to act.
We assert once again that the level playing field, a sine qua non of an acceptable election, is absent altogether, not to speak of its being there a hundred percent. The election commission must do its job as obligated under the constitution without fear or favour and ensure that every party gets equal opportunity to do their campaigning without hindrance.
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