A ‘model for irregularities’

Frustrated with the disorder during the Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) election, Election Commissioner Mahbub Talukder dubbed the polls as a "model for irregularities".

While speaking to reporters at his EC office yesterday, he also said that the low turnout of voters in the election was an early sign of "the people's lack of trust in the election, which is an ominous sign for democracy".

On Wednesday, Awami League mayoral candidate Rezaul Karim Chowdhury has won by a landslide in the CCC election marred by violence, low-voter turnout and the capturing of scores of polling centres by ruling party men.

"Chattogram City Corporation election is a model for irregularities [during polls]. If the model is followed in all future elections, we would be not able to uphold our self-esteem as a democratic nation before the world," Mahbub said, adding that four people were killed before and during the election.

"Violence, seizing polling stations, vandalising police vehicles and EVMs have stigmatised the election."

He said everyone must find a way to conduct free and fair elections.

The consensus of all, irrespective of party and opinion, will be needed for that, he added.

Only 22.5 percent of the votes were cast in the election. Such a meagre turnout cannot be the yardstick for measuring the establishment of democracy. If the election was free and fair manner, credible in a legal way, voter turnout could be higher, Mahbub further said.

"It is unacceptable that we cannot held a proper election [even] on the 50th year of country's independence."

Two days ahead of polls on Monday, Mahbub said that The Election Commission (EC) cannot avoid responsibility for any kind of untowards incidents centring the election.

He also said there was enough reason for concern and fear of clashes during the crucial CCC polls.