City elections: A window of opportunity
The doors are closed, but a small window seems to be open. It could be a silver lining, it may show a feeble light on the other side of the dark tunnel! I am talking about the elections of the Dhaka and Chittagong City Corporations -- two of the prime cities of the country. The elections are not 'the solution' for the national political crisis, but they may pave or show the way to some extent. The ruling AL has been playing cat and mouse with Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) election for the last six years, which will remain as a black spot in the history of AL's democratic credential. The BNP is also to be blamed, even if not equally, for its indifference and failure in appreciating the problem and also for not launching any movement for the DCC election.
Election, be it local or national, is like a 'lifeline' for the political parties as it creates opportunities to reach out to the electorate and the citizens. It inculcates policy thinking and political maneuvering, activates and encourages competition among the party activists and gradually refines and moderates party persons, personalities and policies. It is also equally true that election brings tension, creates divisions and often incites violence. In the end, election is a milestone every democratic polity has to pass through for having a stable governance system. In Bangladesh, elections and constructive political engagements were so far at bay; elections were merely taken as a short cut to acquire power. Once in power, manipulation of the next election becomes a priority for the incumbents. This has been a vicious cycle in our political history and has taken us from crisis to crisis.
The crisis we are currently facing started in 2006, and with many twists and turns culminated in a deadlock of deadly nature. City Corporation elections in Dhaka and Chittagong have been declared in the midst of all these crises. Is it going to ease or increase the tension? What is there for the feuding and fighting giants in these elections? The ruling party is perceived to be in the most advantageous position as it is in the 'driving seat.' The adversary may seem to be at the receiving end. The above perceptions may not be accepted straight away. The currents and cross-currents of social and political dynamics of a particular time and space can transform advantages into disadvantages, and vice-versa.
My assessment and analysis of the situation is that these three elections can be turned into an opportunity, and there is ample scope for creating a win-win situation for both parties. BNP can inject new life into its movement by remobilising the party and the people. Even if it loses the election it wins the movement. If it wins the election it wins on both counts. It may go through a revitalised resurgence. It has nothing to lose. The AL also wins on all counts. Even if it loses, its democratic credential wins. The biggest win is that violent and deadly political actions will be contained during the elections. The union and pourashava elections are due in 2016, and will be held nationwide. Election-centered constructive engagement in Bangladeshi politics has to be accepted by all, irrespective of position and opposition, for obvious and pragmatic reasons. There is no other way out.
The ruling party has the responsibility of satisfying the people and giving them the confidence and hope that a level playing ground has been ensured for free, fair and participatory election, and that the Election Commission, civil administration, including law enforcing authorities, remain firm for fair play. Instigative and hate speeches from all quarters have to be restrained. The EC may issue order in this respect banning unacceptable speeches and behaviour. The EC can have continuous dialogues with major parties and should arrange regular press briefings. A strong monitoring team can work for ensuring the enforcement of the Commission's directives. The declaration for removing the posters, signboards and bill boards is a bold and appropriate step which must be heeded. The BNP should talk to the Commission regarding its demands for a level playing field. It may need to separate the issue of local elections from the national. Its position on national electoral process can stand as it is in spite of its participation in the local elections. The way the government has been dealing with the elected mayors, councilors, and the upazila and union parishad chairmen from the opposition is deplorable. In the name of punishing the leaders, they are punishing the people who voted for them. It erodes the confidence of people in the institution and the system.
Bangladesh is a unitary state with uni-cameral legislature. Local government institutions are one of the vital political institutions through which the practice of political pluralism can get an expression. Space for all parties and people should remain open to participate in local elections, and that will help to sustain our pluralistic social and political space. It can promote balance in the greater polity. A monolithic party structure and imposed indoctrination in the medium and long term cannot hold the society together. We have to learn to live with differences. The city elections may help to some extent towards that direction.
The writer is a leading local government expert in Bangladesh; Director - Governance, MJF and Fellow BIGD, Brac University. E-mail: tofail@gmail.com