Ahead of the upcoming upazila parishad polls, Election Commissioner Mahbub Talukder has said this year’s upazila election has lost its value as it is not participatory.
He remarked this at a briefing session of Returning Officers (RO) for the Upazila Parishad (UP) polls, at the Election Commission building, in the city’s Agargaon on Thursday.
Mahbub said: “Democracy cannot be dependent on a one-party system. It does not flourish without the presence of multiple parties. That is why the Election Commission always emphasizes the importance of participatory and inclusive elections.”
“However, ensuring a participatory election is a primary achievement. This year’s upazila election has lost its value as it is not participatory,” he said.
While reading out a written statement on stage, he said elections must to be held in a trustworthy and acceptable manner. Only the public can judge these two elements, not those who will vie in the polls.
So, it must be ensured that the upcoming upazila elections are participatory, so that the public regains its trust in the electoral process and democracy. The Election Commission does not anticipate the election will be controversial or questionable, he added.
The first phase of the upazila parishad election is scheduled to be held on March 10 while the second phase will be held on March 18.
