An election marred

WHAT started off as a peaceful, tension-free day of voting, turned out to be a disappointment for the city dwellers of Dhaka and Chittagong.

Instances of intimidation of polling agents, journalists and voters in many voting centres of these cities, are undeniable. Many voters found their votes already cast. In some instances ballot boxes have been openly stuffed and there have been reports of violence with ruling party goons chasing polling agents of non–AL candidates out of the centre.

The Daily Star sent a team of 34 journalists and photo journalists to about 325 polling centres to cover the voting process. The findings of the report include the following:

The EC failed to provide the kind of peaceful atmosphere that was needed. The EC personnel were either afraid or intimidated. They did not use force to clear the premises of outsiders. 

The role of the police was questionable. In some instances they were co-opted by members of the ruling party's youth wings to intimidate journalists and voters. This paper's reporters were beaten up by goons of the ruling party and in many cases physically shoved around by police. Photographers had their pictures deleted before being allowed to leave.

Rival councillor candidates of the same party created an environment of fear by using local mastaans to discourage voters from voting for their opponents. Thus the supporters of the contesting councillors took over the polling booths and engaged in ballot stuffing. This had a negative impact on overall voter turnout.

The BNP's withdrawal, on the other hand, from the election was too early. In fact many questions can be raised about the sincerity in their preparation for the polls, lending credence to allegations that its mid-day boycott was predetermined.

All in all, thes hope that through this election our politics will achieve a more constructive character, has been completely dashed.