EC failing to instil confidence of its neutrality

EDITORIAL

People's democratic rights are at stake

Political and security experts on Saturday expressed their discontent with the Election Commission, saying that its performance so far was not satisfactory. The EC has been granted immense power by the constitution and the credibility of the upcoming parliamentary election, no doubt, depends considerably on the actions of the commission.

Unfortunately, it has till now been reluctant to even respond to the complaints raised by opposition parties and has denied them the necessary space for effective campaigning and other political activities. Thousands of cases continue to be lodged daily against activists and politicians belonging to opposition parties, rendering them unable to effectively prepare for the elections as they remain increasingly occupied with fighting legal battles. Meanwhile, law enforcers have ceaselessly harassed and detained members of opposition parties in large numbers, as reported in the media, without the EC blinking an eye.

This is where one would have expected the EC to step in and demonstrate its ability to function without bias. However, by not doing so and by not giving opposition parties and their complaints a fair hearing, hasn't the EC already failed somewhat to maintain a neutral position? After all, any acceptable election requires that all stakeholders be given a chance to voice their opinions and concerns, and not simply be dismissed ungraciously by the commission. This includes concerns over the controversial introduction of electronic voting machines in the polls without adequate preparations.

As mentioned by experts, if this is the state of affairs during the pre-electoral phase, what can people expect during the election period? A free and fair election is the lifeblood of any democracy, and the people have already expressed their desire for a credible election. The EC should, therefore, exercise the immense power that it wields to ensure a level playing field for all, which is the only way to respect people's wishes.

• Courtesy: The Daily Star /Nov 26, 2018