Out of the past and into the new

AS the nation takes a deeper look into how Monday's elections went and its historic outcome, we cannot but note some particular features that characterised the polls. Voter turnout was a whopping 85 per cent, in the words of the secretary of the Election Commission, marking an increase of 10 per cent over the last election in 2001. Such enthusiastic and spontaneous exercise of the right to franchise is a highwater mark of and a point of pride for democracy anywhere in the world. This is also a fitting tribute to the congeniality of the election atmosphere which encouraged voters to come out in large numbers to cast their ballots. It is to the credit of the EC and the caretaker administration that their constant vigil ensured that goons or any other vigilante groups could not disrupt the voting process.
We congratulate Sheikh Hasina and her grand alliance once more on their stupendous success. But massive victory brings with it gigantic responsibility. The best way to approach that task is through promoting and implementing a policy of inclusion rather than exclusion. For her part, Begum Zia can inaugurate a new trend in political culture by congratulating Sheikh Hasina on her triumph. As for the BNP's complaints about irregularities at 220 centres in 72 constituencies we believe that while the EC should look into them, it also makes sense to say that even if the allegations were true, they still would not make any difference in the results.
We feel that the tone of the grand alliance's words and deeds in the next few days, particularly Hasina's, will set the tenor for future relationship between a party that has suffered a shocking defeat and a party in which the people have overwhelmingly reposed their trust.
A positive message was sent out on Monday night by Hasina when she called upon her party and grand alliance supporters not to bring out victory processions until the results were finally and officially declared. But the Chhatra League's attempt reportedly to bring a residential hall of Dhaka University under its 'control' on Monday is the kind of behaviour that must be curbed.
The voters have made clear their rejection of religion-based politics. A special feature of the elections has been the freedom with which religious and ethnic minorities have voted this time, which is quite a departure from their experience with some past elections.
Sheikh Hasina is now the prime minister of all the people which includes those who have voted against her. She thus represents all citizens and is in a unique position to unite the country and channel the constructive energies of every one of us towards nation-building.
Begum Zia, as the leader of the opposition, should be assured of all deference and respect, including even enhancing the position of the leader of the opposition in the order of precedence to number two. For her part, Begum Zia can give our return to democracy a good start by accepting the results and by being a responsible and active opposition leader.