Role of Election Commission in Ensuring Free and Fair Election in Bangladesh: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

Election, for the citizens of a democratic nation, is one of the most awaited events of their lives. It gives them a perfect opportunity to exercise their right to speech and expression as well as their right to vote. As described by our nationalist leaders election is a mammoth task in a country like Bangladesh which has such a huge population. However, this task has been undertaken by an independent body to ensure free, fair and democratic election- the Election Commission of Bangladesh. This paper attempts to analyze the journey of this independent body since its inception. It tries to trace the development that has been made in the process of election and compares the time of the origin of the commission with the present functioning of the commission. It puts light on the membership and the process for selection of member in the Election Commission. With the development of technology in this tech-savvy world new forms and methods of malpractices are emerging before the election commission, thus posing constant challenges for them. However, the steps taken by the Election Commission are continuously trying to curb such practices with stronger security measures and technological advancements. As far as the public at large is concerned, the Election Commission has to build a stronger fiduciary relation based on mutual trust by ensuring transparent procedures in the conduct of elections. The paper concludes with a few suggestions that should be inculcated by the commission to ensure a smooth functioning of democracy.