During the last two decades parliamentary elections have assumed significant dimensions in Bangladesh. They have been notably different (except the controversial 6th parliamentary elections held on February 15, 1996) from those of the past in substance and quality.
All these elections, beginning with the elections for the 5th parliament, happened to be held during the tenure of either an interim (in the case of 5th parliamentary elections) or caretaker government (in the case of 7th, 8th and 9th parliamentary elections).
The Election Commission (EC) has earned acclamation both nationally and internationally for holding free and fair elections. Throughout this period there has been a remarkable surge of interest among the civil society in the electoral practices, management and reforms. The paramount importance of free and fair elections and of the EC as a vital institution to ensure the integrity of the electoral process has been emphatically recognised. This recognition accounts for a host of measures undertaken during the last two decades to plug loopholes in the relevant laws and rules and to strengthen the capacity and authority of the EC.
It may not be inappropriate to highlight briefly some key reforms and initiatives since 1991 to streamline the electoral system. It must be mentioned in particular of the country’s leading think-tank, the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), NGOs (specially FEMA and Shujon), a group of eight former civil servants led by Md. Matiul Islam and eminent researchers who provided valuable inputs to the Election Commission on electoral reforms on various occasions.
In 1991 before the 5th parliamentary elections, an important amendment was made of the Representation of the People Order, 1972 (RPO) to provide for the submission of the statement of assets, liabilities and sources of income by candidates. A landmark law was also enacted to ensure discipline and control of all categories of election officials including security and deputed personnel. This law is known as Act xiii of 1991. Subsequent to the elections, a project was launched to prepare voter identity cards to prevent fraudulent voting.
All these elections, beginning with the elections for the 5th parliament, happened to be held during the tenure of either an interim (in the case of 5th parliamentary elections) or caretaker government (in the case of 7th, 8th and 9th parliamentary elections).
The Election Commission (EC) has earned acclamation both nationally and internationally for holding free and fair elections. Throughout this period there has been a remarkable surge of interest among the civil society in the electoral practices, management and reforms. The paramount importance of free and fair elections and of the EC as a vital institution to ensure the integrity of the electoral process has been emphatically recognised. This recognition accounts for a host of measures undertaken during the last two decades to plug loopholes in the relevant laws and rules and to strengthen the capacity and authority of the EC.
It may not be inappropriate to highlight briefly some key reforms and initiatives since 1991 to streamline the electoral system. It must be mentioned in particular of the country’s leading think-tank, the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), NGOs (specially FEMA and Shujon), a group of eight former civil servants led by Md. Matiul Islam and eminent researchers who provided valuable inputs to the Election Commission on electoral reforms on various occasions.
In 1991 before the 5th parliamentary elections, an important amendment was made of the Representation of the People Order, 1972 (RPO) to provide for the submission of the statement of assets, liabilities and sources of income by candidates. A landmark law was also enacted to ensure discipline and control of all categories of election officials including security and deputed personnel. This law is known as Act xiii of 1991. Subsequent to the elections, a project was launched to prepare voter identity cards to prevent fraudulent voting.
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