A significant majority of voters would like new elections to be held either as soon as possible or within the year.
Dhaka Tribune’s latest nationwide opinion poll findings show that 57% want a fair, fully participatory election as soon as possible, with an additional almost 13% wanting fresh elections within the year. Fewer than 30% are in favour of the government remaining in office through its five year term.
The poll suggests that the January 5 election has not settled the doubts expressed by voters in the national opinion poll conducted in December by Dhaka Tribune prior to the election. In that survey, 77% of the public said they considered an election without the BNP would be unacceptable, and this number is roughly in line with the proportion calling today for new elections as soon as possible or within the year.
A majority of people have expressed dissatisfaction with the January 5 election. Over two in five said they were highly dissatisfied and consider that holding a new, inclusive election is the most important issue facing the country at this moment.
We believe the government should listen to the people’s desire for a fresh inclusive election. The opinion poll makes clear this would be in line with what people want and suggests that a new election would be very competitive. Declared voting intentions in the new poll remain closely split between the AL and BNP at 35.6% and 34.8% support, respectively.
The government should keep to its pre-election commitment to hold new, inclusive elections as early as practicable, and the BNP should co-operate in enabling peaceful and good faith dialogue to help make this happen.