In the aftermath of the 12th parliamentary elections, the Election Commission has responded to a series of complaints, emphasizing their commitment to a transparent and fair electoral process.
Commission officials have categorically stated that they have diligently adhered to constitutional instructions and executed their responsibilities.
A substantial number of complaints, largely lacking substantiated evidence, were submitted to the Election Commission following the recent elections.
In conversation with Dhaka Tribune, several commission officials expressed confidence in properly executing their duties, citing the absence of major incidents or irregularities.
The Election Commission deployed an electoral inquiry committee, working with executive magistrates, to address and prevent potential irregularities during the elections.
The collaborative team received 1,808 complaints, of which executive magistrates scrutinized 1,051.
The magistrates imposed fines on 784 individuals and filed cases against 267 through mobile courts, according to the commission’s official report.
Simultaneously, the electoral inquiry committee reviewed 757 individuals and recommended filing cases against 534 individuals.
Actions have been taken based on evaluations of offenses related to elections, violations of electoral conduct rules, and complaints under the Representation of the People Order (RPO) section 91(A), informed EC Additional Secretary Ashok Kumar Debnath.
However, he did not clarify if any of them were returning officials.
Responding to allegations related to the alleged “ballot stamping,” an EC official clarified that preliminary investigations indicated discrepancies between circulated information and the actual ballot papers supplied by the commission.
The official dismissed the claim as potentially designed to generate controversy and spread rumors among voters.
The Election Commission, however, stressed that no allegations have been received against any force member for aiding in fraudulent voting.
Many of the complaints are currently under investigation, but officials have pointed out that a significant number lack proper documentation and authentication.
Post-election violence
Regarding reports of post-election violence, the Election Commission officials contradicted the claims, stating that they have not received any official data on post-election violence.
However, an intelligence agency’s recent report contradicts this assertion, recording 345 incidents and highlighting seven fatalities and 450 injuries, including eight policemen, from January 7 to January 16. The agency’s name remains undisclosed.
Human Rights Support Society (HRSS), a non-governmental organization, reported on Wednesday that at least 15 individuals were killed, and over 2,200 were injured in election-related violence between November 15 and January 15.
However, on voting day, Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal stated that there was less violence, with no reported deaths related to violence, but, two returning officers passed away due to cardiac arrest.
Positive assessments
International observers, including independent representatives from the US and Canada and representatives from Russia and the OIC, expressed overall positive assessments of the election.
While praising the elections as free, fair, and peaceful, some observers expressed concerns about the lower-than-desired voter turnout.
In a virtual press conference on January 23, Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJAN) remarked that while the national election is legally valid, questions about its acceptability will linger.
SHUJAN highlighted the importance of holding fair, impartial, and competitive elections, expressing disappointment that the desire of the people for such an election was not fully met.