EC Mahbub thinks democracy not one-party affair

Claiming that the upcoming upazila parishad election has lost its glamour as it is not a participatory one, election commissioner Mahbub Talukdar on Thursday said democracy cannot take a shape unless there are many parties, reports UNB.

“Democracy is never a one-party one. It can’t take a shape unless it’s a multi-party one. That’s why, importance is given to participatory election,” he said while briefing returning and assistant returning officers of the second phase upazila parishad election at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city.

The election commissioner further said, “Election being the participatory is the initial achievement. The election must be credible and acceptable. These two words will be judged by people, not by those who conduct the polls.”

He also said there was still no discussion on self-analysis at the election commission over the 11th parliamentary election.

Mahbub underscored the need for ensuring people’s greater trust in the election management during the upazila parishad elections. “The election must be free and fair no mater whatever the political situation is. A disputable or questionable election is not expected for the election commission,” he said.

“People say the election should be held as per law and it means ensuring equal rights and treatment for all. You should remain neutral strictly. Don’t bow down to any pressure, fear or greed,” he asked the election officials.

The election commissioner asked them to perform their duties with bravery and being responsible to their own conscience. “The election commission never conducts the election directly but you indirectly perform the duties of the commission. So, the success of EC depends on your success.”