Representative democracy has officially begun in a country that has experienced a ‘bumpy ride’ for much of its existence. This current healthy outlook is rooted in a crucial election conducted skillfully by the authorities – an effort that is ‘done all right,’ though perhaps not yet fully ‘dusted.’ This transition represents the real test for Bangladesh and its people in the coming years; the goal is to move toward a strictly mandated internal count or, at the very least, a basis of acceptable regularity that engenders genuine confidence in the citizenry.
A critical component of this progress involves the implementation of representative democracy in a nation where previous experiences among the populace have often been unsatisfactory. As of this writing, less than a week has passed since the February 12 referendum, where 7,769,502 voters (approximately 61 percent of the electorate) cast their ballots. This functional democratic exercise is particularly admirable because, unlike many previous experiences in the country, the final numbers were hardly contested by the public or the candidates.
While progress is evident, challenges remain. Regrettably, post-poll violence resulted in single-digit deaths and over one hundred injuries. While one would hope for these numbers to hit ‘rock-bottom,’ looking at the situation realistically – rather than through ‘coloured lenses – reminds us that the manifestation of reality is often more complex. This factor serves as a constant reminder for both the electorate and candidates during election cycles. Even though election results may bring heartbreak for some, a perceived fair election indicates a citizenry that is surely, if slowly and expectantly, maturing.
For many new voters, this periodical election time is their first exposure to the national voting phenomenon. These individuals may serve as harbingers of a healthy, mature democratic routine. Ideally, elections should become an organized habit, allowing new generations to inject their specific preferences into national and regional policymaking. Different eras will naturally reflect different policy needs, a shift already being seen in recent post-election happenings.
External recognition has also played a role in this transition. Prominent countries steeped in democratic tradition, such as the United States, have generally hailed the recent election as a healthy exercise in democratic practice. While not every election will be universally applauded by international watchdogs or domestic commentators, establishing a healthy practice now can positively influence future political standards.
Ultimately, while international bodies and domestic entities will always hold differing opinions on individual political matters, these views must be dealt with on their own merits by the people of the country. For Bangladesh, there are encouraging signs of potential to become a moderate, and perhaps eventually a paramount, showcase of good governance. This promise begins with the electoral process, and it is a promise that must be carefully nurtured and implemented.
The writer is an MALD (Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy) and PhD (Boston University)
