As our country faces one of its most dire political crises, leaving the citizens and the nation crippled, we should ask ourselves this: “What do the citizens of Bangladesh see as a real solution to the political gridlock that is ensuing?” Our constitution was made on the principles of protecting the rights, privileges, and security of every citizen of our country. Our political leaders have betrayed us and we, the people, need to step in to help decide the fate of our country.
Right now, it seems to boil down to one critical issue that of an acceptable polls time government. It is high time the voices of the people are heard. A referendum should be called on the issue of a “non-party government,” and we, the people, can voice our opinions.
There are examples all over the world where referenda are used as a tool for governance. Our prime examples are the French revolutionaries who used direct democracy as a method to realise their goals. Switzerland, in the mid-nineteenth century, used referenda as tools to aid representative government, and continues to do so today.
The United States of America also uses referenda to help the government understand the people’s views and also popularise them. Direct democracy can be a part of normal governance if there is political will coupled with the desire to rise above personal or party gratification and serve the country with the highest principles.
There are many points in favour of referenda. Some that come to mind are: direct democracy shows the will of the people; important constitutional issues can be legitimised by referenda; if there are any flaws in the theory of a mandate, voters can help with their views, and the government can gain major support and approval by listening to the citizens; political participation increases; it provides a clear answer for controversial questions.
Now, the question put up in the referendum is a major determining element for the outcome. It has been observed in many countries that the question may be made needlessly complex in order to deter people from voting. Hence, great care must be taken on the wording of the question.
Democracy – we all aspire to its ideals, in its inclusiveness, and the equity it adheres to. Well, if we are to be a true democracy, we need to follow due process. I would like to urge the people of our beloved country to seriously think about this matter and discuss the idea of a referendum in all the relevant platforms.
