'Voters' Aversion to Elections Is An Omen for Democracy'

Election Commissioner Mahbub Talukder said, "the voters' aversion to elections is an omen for democracy."

He made the remarks in a written statement at his office at the Election Building in Agargaon on Wednesday (September 22nd) afternoon, referring to "my words about the recent municipal and UP elections".

"I have been acting Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) for six days from September 17 to September 22," he said in a written statement. Some journalists want to know my successes and failures in the 160 Union Parishad elections and nine municipal elections held at that time. It is not possible to change the electoral management abruptly in such a short time. Even then some words remain.

He said three people were killed in the election. It is extremely painful. I have always said that voting is not bigger than life. However, the bone-crushing violence in the Union Parishad elections could not be stopped. Whatever the incident or accident in the election, the responsibility falls on the Election Commission. However, measures have been taken to prevent the recurrence of all unforeseen incidents such as election accidents, i.e. chaos, illegal sealing of ballots, intimidation of opponents, etc.

Mahbub Talukder said, "During my tenure in the local government elections, the law enforcement agencies were especially warned to carry out their duties legally." Those responsible for the killings have been detained, subject to evidence. Those who rehearsed with weapons and sticks were also detained after watching video footage. Further investigation will bring many more under the law. No one has been and will not be exempted from preventing violence. A Member of Parliament has even been sent a warning for violating the Electoral Code of Conduct.

He said the turnout in this year's Union Parishad elections was somewhat good, at 69.34 percent. But the uncontested election ceremony and the inauguration of 43 candidates in the Union Parishad without the election has faded the election. On the other hand, in nine municipalities, three candidates were elected mayor without contest. Since the election is a choice among many, is it possible to be elected without a contest?

Mentioning that the silence of all concerned including the media on 'International Democracy Day' on September 15 has disappointed me, Mahbub Talukder said, "The question may arise in my mind, are we reluctant to join the journey of democracy?"