As the two major cities in the country go to the polls today to elect their mayors, there is a high degree of expectation tinged with a sense of apprehension. Stakes are high in the city polls for both the cities are in dire straits and are in an urgent need of an elected leadership who will be able to take the metropolises forward. 

Even though the prelude to the much-awaited elections has been marked by a certain amount of tension, a good deal of positive energy was radiated by the candidates and their supporters. The campaign was by and large constructive; this is especially so for the agendas that have come forth through the face-offs between candidates, which generated an engaging public interest in the polls.

Even though city polls are supposed to be party-less, national politics loomed large over the whole electioneering process. Let's not forget that a high number of risk prone centres have been identified where adequate precautions must be put in place in a fail-safe way. The point can be hardly emphasized that the agents of all political parties should be present at the polling stations to keep a tab on the voting process.

We believe that the government, the EC, the ruling party and the other political parties should endevaour to ensure that an atmosphere congenial for the holding of a free and fair election prevails in Dhaka and Chittagong.