The DSCC and DNCC elections have been held peacefully in the city. However, a pressing issue that has surfaced through this election is, low voter turnout. This posed a stark contrast to the enveloping campaigning of the candidates carried out by loud speakers around the capital. On this note, fingers are being pointed to the Election Commission and its inaptness.
Even Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at one point inquired about such a low voter turnout. It is at these times the conscious people cannot help but ponder. Why was the number of voters so few? Was the mass campaigns carried out by the candidates flawed? Did it have an opposite effect on the people’s mind? Such questions remain unanswered.
This posed a stark contrast to the enveloping
campaigning of the candidates carried
out by loud speakers around the capital
However, the EC has customarily blamed the candidates for not electioneering properly. Hence, this resulted in the extreme low number of voters. Various media reports say that less than 25 percent of voters actually went to give votes. And, many of those who did go to the polling centers had to face problems relating to the introduction of EVMs, which is an entirely new situation for many. No matter the reason, it is the responsibility of the EC and the onus lies upon them to ensure proper participation of the people in dispensing their democratic right.
Unfortunately, they failed to educate people on how to use EVMs. As a result, a massively low voter presence was seen in this two city corporations’ election. The authorities concerned should learn from this and ensure that no such incidence occurs again in any election.
