Rising violence ahead of UP polls is alarming

We are concerned about the growing incidents of violence and deaths in the run-up to the second phase of union parishad (UP) elections. Up until now, at least 23 people have been killed across Bangladesh in incidents of violence related to the UP elections, which began in June this year. And most of the incidents of violence involved clashes between supporters of candidates nominated by the ruling Awami League, and those of the rebels in the party.

Violence during elections—be it the local government election or the national election—seems to have become the norm in the country. We have witnessed this during the 2016 local elections where, reportedly, more than 140 people were killed in pre-and post-election violence. According to Democracywatch, at least 60 people died in the factional clashes between the Awami League-nominated candidates and its rebel candidates in 2016. We are witnessing a similar trend this time too.

What is the Election Commission doing when the pre-election violence is escalating with every passing day, and the electoral code of conduct is being violated by the candidates and their supporters? The chief election commissioner recently said that the commission was embarrassed and concerned with what was happening. What we would like to ask is: Does the Election Commission's role end with only being embarrassed? Is expressing concerns enough, when they have immense legal power to take action in these cases? What is the commission doing to ensure that there is a level playing field? Have enough measures been taken to create a conducive environment for holding free and fair elections?

Moreover, the law enforcers' role should also be questioned here. What steps did they take to prevent these violent incidents from happening? In any case, the police should investigate the incidents promptly and submit charge sheets in cases filed in connection to these incidents as soon as possible.

As for the ruling party, such violent clashes between the supporters of its nominated and rebel candidates just goes to show a lack of discipline within the party. The Awami League should address these issues and find a solution to stop such factional clashes. Needless to say, the process of nominating candidates should be done more democratically. At the same time, the party should take stern action against those engaged in election violence and disqualify them from participating in the elections. Only expelling a few of the candidates will not work.

Last but not the least, the growing incidents of pre-poll violence as well as the threats given by some of the candidates to the opposing candidates and their supporters will only discourage the voters from going to the polling centres, eventually weakening the overall democratic system in the country.