Self-reporter:  Looking at the pace of local elections, my guess is that the level playing field and balance that elections need to be maintained for multi-party democracy is not there, said Election Commissioner Mahbub Talukder.

He said this in a written statement given on the occasion of the third National Voters` Day on Tuesday.

Mahbub Talukder said, "The theme of the third National Voters` Day is` If the age is eighteen, it is not too late to be a voter `. To me it seems like a very important phrase. He, who has just turned 18, is anointed as a full-fledged citizen of the country. Naturally, interest, perception and enthusiasm about the country will reshape his mind. The smart card he will receive as a voter is a lifelong reminder of his identity. Congratulations to all the new voters for this today. Being a voter can exercise the democratic rights of a citizen. The constitution states: "Effective participation of the people will be ensured through elected representatives at all levels of administration." It is a constitutional right of a voter to perform this duty by casting his vote. In this case, keep in mind that `Effective participation` refers to the selection of a qualified public representative. He will be motivated by his own conscience in selecting worthy people`s representatives. In that case, he has to get out of the circle of personal and even group gain. ”

He further said, “It is a fact that elections are the only way to democracy. Transfer of power cannot be normal unless elections are free, fair, neutral, participatory and acceptable. If the election is not fair and acceptable, the stability of the country, social instability and individual frustration will increase. As a result, there is a risk of anarchy from depression. The tendency towards anarchy is not at all desirable for any democratic country. The Election Commission has been entrusted with the constitutional responsibility of shaping the democratic aspirations of the people of the country. If we do not fulfill this responsibility properly, we will be accused of undermining democracy. We are currently in the final stages of nationwide municipal elections. Union council elections will be held step by step from next April. Looking at the dynamics of local elections, I think, For a multi-party democracy, the level playing field and balance that elections needed to be maintained is not happening. Local elections are not so important in a central election, it is now important to get nominated in the elections. A pattern of irregularities has now been created in local elections, including violence, fights, center grabbing, EVM vandalism, etc. Although these incidents that took place in different places are called isolated incidents, the combination of numerous isolated incidents or accidents creates a kind of disintegration, which takes shape in the context of elections. ” The combination of EVM vandalism etc. has now created a model of irregularity. Although these incidents that took place in different places are called isolated incidents, the combination of numerous isolated incidents or accidents creates a kind of disintegration, which takes shape in the context of elections. ” The combination of EVM vandalism etc. has now created a model of irregularity. Although these incidents that took place in different places are called isolated incidents, the combination of numerous isolated incidents or accidents creates a kind of disintegration, which takes the form of an election. ”

Regarding the election of Raozan, he said, “The most surprising municipality election in Bangladesh has been held in Raozan of Chittagong. The mayor and 12 councilors were elected unopposed in the February 28 election. As a result, election officials and law enforcers were also removed from Raozan. In the previous upazila elections also, in Raozan, everyone was elected without contest. However, it is probably more appropriate to say that it is not an election. If everyone in this model across the country could be elected unopposed, the election would save a lot of money and would be free from violence and violence. This will not be the responsibility of the Election Commission. The big question is whether the Election Commission will be needed in this situation. ”

“At one time I was against the use of EVMs or electronic voting machines for various reasons. In particular, we have objected to the use of EVMs in national elections without any preparation and without the consent of the political parties concerned. Currently I am interested in voting in EVM mainly for two reasons. First, voting on the ballot paper on the night before the election is not possible if voting is done in EVM. Second, we can avoid the embarrassment of 100 per cent casting of votes in different centers, as we have seen in the results of 213 centers in the National Assembly elections. However, voting in EVMs reduces voter turnout and turnout alarmingly. In the past Dhaka North and South City Corporations, the percentage of votes was 25.34 percent and 29.08 percent respectively. In the recent Chittagong City Corporation election, the turnout was only 22 percent. With so few votes, we have elected two mayors from the capital Dhaka and one from Chittagong, a rare instance. ”

"By using EVMs, we are free from allegations of vote rigging, fraud, center grabbing, etc., at least, I do not claim. However, it is essential to take steps to resolve the allegations against the use of EVMs. We can be accused of questionable elections for not taking proper cognizance of election irregularities and allegations. However, in the future, we will have to get out of voting by both ballot and EVM. This is because the use of two methods in the same election results in many differences in the percentage of votes cast. This difference means that the results of the voting are divided. Such discrimination in voting is not desirable. ”

Regarding the reform of the electoral process, he said, "I think that without the reform of the electoral process, a fair, free, neutral and acceptable election is not possible. I want to repeat this today. If the electoral process is not reformed, there is a danger that the electoral management will become almost ineffective. Realizing the importance of the issue, positive steps need to be taken by all concerned. If the electoral process is not reformed, the quality of the type of election that is taking place now is likely to go down further. ”

“Celebrating National Voters Day is very important for a democratic country. The creation of democratic values ​​and political awareness among the new voters has made this day glorious. I congratulate the new voters again, ”said Mahbub Talukder.