Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd) Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah has compared the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election to the task of returning a derailed train to its tracks and restarting it. Speaking at an event organized by the Alliance for Fair Election and Democracy (AFAD) on Wednesday (January 7), he stated that this election is merely a beginning, akin to giving a train momentum after minimal repairs and the replacement of certain parts.
The Election Commissioner noted that the 1991, 2008, and the current period are the three most significant times for legal and procedural reforms in Bangladesh's electoral history. He expressed regret that the reforms initiated in 2008 did not have the opportunity to be refined or developed during the subsequent three elections. While praising the current Election Reform Commission for new amendments, he acknowledged that some gaps and inconsistencies still exist, which must be resolved in future electoral cycles. He emphasized the need for a balance between public expectations and reality after a long democratic "vacuum."
Regarding election monitoring, the Commissioner informed that 81 organizations were registered out of over 300 applications, as many were excluded due to failures in past controversial elections. He described observers as the "Third Eye" of the commission and urged them to contribute through constructive criticism. He also highlighted that special initiatives are being taken to ensure the participation of first-time voters, women, persons with disabilities, and minority groups. On the topic of postal ballots, he mentioned that over 1.5 million voters have registered, though some applications remain pending due to technical and address-related challenges.
Other speakers at the event echoed the need for transparency and inclusivity. Anastasia S. Uvaya, Project Director (EPD), remarked that the transparency of an election is defined by the process itself rather than the winner or loser. Deepak Elmer, Charge d'Affaires of the Swiss Embassy, emphasized that democracy requires the participation of all citizens, including those with disabilities. Additionally, Md. Daud Miya, Director General of the NGO Affairs Bureau, reminded the audience that this event includes both a national election and a referendum. He urged observers to provide verified reports and stressed the importance of educating voters on the referendum process, as political parties would primarily be focused on their own campaigns.
