More discussions underscored

Speakers at a roundtable yesterday came up with different opinions about the issues of proportional representation electoral system and shortening the tenure of parliament, saying that the issues deserve to be discussed widely.
Shushashoner Janney Nagorik (Shujan), a platform for civil society members, organised the roundtable on 'Proportional representation and tenure of the parliament' at the National Press Club.
Shujan President Prof Muzaffer Ahmad said the issues should be discussed to create public opinion and that the political parties will take the decision in this regard.
He also said a confrontational situation between the members of parliament and the representatives of the local government exists due to the present electoral system.
"The primary duty of the lawmakers is to formulate laws, but we are witnessing that they are meddling in the affairs of the local government institutions," he said.
About 88 countries are using proportional representation, he said, adding that Shujan has no stance on these issues, which deserves to be discussed among the people.
Presenting a keynote paper, Prof Nazrul Islam said the five-year tenure of the government is quite long and it should be shortened to four years.
He also said that the political parties should get seats in parliament as per the total number of votes cast per party.
Columnist Syed Abul Maksud, however, disagreed with the proposals, saying that these systems do not fit in the current context of the country.
Rather, the existing systems should be strengthened further, he added.
"What we need is to ensure a free and fair election, remove corruption and strengthen the constitution through amendment," he said.
Opposition Chief Whip Zainal Abedin Farroque said problems would not be resolved even if the tenure of the government is shortened to four years.
"We [political leaders] have differences of opinions and maybe we could not unite, but it does not mean that democracy is at stake," he said. "We need to be honest, have trust on each other and be faithful to democracy."
Awami League leader Mahmudur Rahman Manna said proportional representation has many problems in practice.
Moderated by M Hafizuddin Khan, the roundtable was also addressed by Badiul Alam Majumder, Inam Ahmed Chowdhury and Golam Murshid.