The democracy wins

The new Election Commission (EC) arranged two separate important polls- Comilla City Corporation (CCC) and Sunamganj-2 constitution, on Thursday. In Comilla City Corporation (CCC) polls, country's two major political parties- the ruling Awami League (AL) and opposition outside parliament Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) contested in party lines.

BNP candidate Monirul Haque Sakku won the mayoral race for the second time. Though BNP did not take part in Sunamganj-2 by-election, the party gave its support to an independent candidate. Here, AL candidate Joya Sengupta, wife of recently deceased senior leader Suranjit Sengupta, won the race.

People were keener to witness the Comilla City polls as it contested with party symbols boat and sheaf of paddy for the first time. In spite of some isolated incidents, the election was held peacefully. So, people of the country finally had a sigh of relief. Now discussions are going on whether the current EC would be able to hold the next general election peacefully.

We heartedly congratulate the re-elected CCC mayor Monirul Haque Sakku. Before the polls, AL candidate Anjum Sultana Sima said she would accept any result. She finally proved it through congratulating the BNP candidate after the result was announced.

We also congratulate Anjum Sulatana Sima for her such liberal manner. Alongside, we expect the custom must be practiced the candidates in case of all polls across the country.

We heartedly congratulate the AL candidate in Sunamganj-2 by-election for her win. We also thanked the EC, administration, law enforcement agencies along with all political parties, their candidates and voters as well.

There had been a long debate over forming the new Election Commission (EC) along with its Chief official. Country's people and political parties had a deep interest over the new EC's activities.

The EC also expressed its commitment for holding polls in free and fair manners. No matter what the results were, it was obviously a win for democracy, not for single person or political party. The new EC was able to reassure people through holding the polls in free and fair manners.

All the concerns who showed their responsibility in holding the polls peacefully also deserve acclamations.

Now we expect that such win for democracy will continue in future as well. The two polls will encourage all political parties to have confidence on the government and the Election Commission. But it is needed to take proper steps to continue this trend for all locals and general elections in future.

The EC should assure that all locals and national elections must be held in participatory manners. For this, EC should be determined to fix its activities from right now.


risingbd/Dhaka/Apr 01, 2017/Ali Nowsher/A K Azad