-Rakibul Hasan
Bangladesh is a parliamentary democracy. Every five-years it holds general election. The Bangladesh Election Commission is a constitutional body that conducts election as per powers vested under Article 118 of the Constitution. Like in many other developing democracies, it has to have an integrated plan for pre-election, polling day and post-election security arrangements in —highly sensitive, sensitive and normal areas. Army has been deployed in the sensitive areas on the basis of its availability as quick response force. High officials of the districts coordinate with the officers concerned.The joint security forces (Police, RAB and BGB) are kept ready round the clock for urgent response to ensure a conducive environment for free, fair and peaceful elections. Bangladesh security forces (along with intelligence agencies and specialised services) are successful in apprehending troublemakers targeting election rallies and campaigns in various areas, especially in the Dhaka Metropolitan City. Thus it develops a sense of security and confidence among general public.
In Bangladesh, the security agencies mainly work on the crowd management, enforcement of electoral laws and preparedness for post-election violence. All civic agencies, hospitals, ambulance services, fire service and civil defense are expected to be on high alert and they will be working round the clock to provide immediate services during any emergency.
The institute of Commonwealth Studies (ICS) has launched a report. “Political Islam & the Elections in Bangladesh at the University of London. It has stated that the 10th election has already been problematic. This year election highlights the ideological clashes between secular and the Islamist sections, the report says. The ideological and political differences worsen the scenario between various political parties, alliances. The report makes mention of reoccurrence of minority persecution like in 2001.
However the most important aspect of this election is its boycott by the opposition and an overwhelming majority of political parties which are against holding of elections under the supervision of the incumbent government. This element of dissent and the programme of non-stop blockade has brought more challenges to normal conduct of the elections this time.
Electoral conflict and violence: Electoral conflict has a broad range of manifestations and intensities. Sometimes it might be seen in the post-election period.
Electoral dispute resolution or electoral justice plays a role in electoral security systems. Fair, expeditious and transparent dispute resolution mechanisms are necessary in order to adjudicate grievances so that the parties are not motivated to go outside peaceful protocols to press their cases. For instances, election tribunals, election management bodies (EMBs) and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms can be used in electoral security.
Monitoring and evaluation: It largely requires the foundation of strong monitoring and evaluation of the election. Because it significantly links between electoral security issues and broader conflict dynamics. Therefore, it involves partners—both domestic and international—in monitoring and evaluation of the election. The absence of international monitoring groups, and squeezing of operations of local election observers pose a problem as the organizers will be deprived of their services.
For a broad perspective, four kinds of electoral security and associated targets can be identified.
Physical security: It concerns the protection of facilities and materials. This broader perspective of security includes the election commission headquarters and its district offices; registration and polling stations; political party offices; election observers’ offices; and media organisations. Facilities also can include the residences of election officials or candidates as well as hotels known to be frequented by international visitors, media and observers.
Personal security: It focuses on electoral stakeholders, including voters, public officials, election workers, security forces, candidates, party agents, election observers and media representatives. The gender, age and ethnicity of human targets should be noted in personal security. People can be victims of aggressions, torture and sexual assault, strategic displacement, physical injury, blackmail or intimidation in attempts to influence their involvement and choices in the election.
Information security: Protection of communication systems—like computes and other electronic devices—employed in voter registration and vote tabulation, as well as associated sensitive election materials such as voted and un-voted ballots and voter registration lists.
Electoral events: The polling events can be victimised by conflicts. Therefore, events can be official in nature. Associated security strategies must be taken on polling day activities, campaign rallies, debates and party coalition meeting.
Communication strategy – Print media: This is the most commonly used source of information in the country. By printing a series of informative articles on the correct and powerful utilization of the election process, these media empower the voters to express their democratic opinion spontaneously. An interactive voter questions/answers segment generate new interests in the voters. Advertisement campaign are carried out in getting the key message delivered to the target audience. Special campaign should target new voters, women and marginalized segment of the society.
Electronic media: electronic media has now become the most powerful channel to reach out to the voters. The private TV channels ae playing the most prominent role in this regard. This media should therefore be used to the optimum benefit. A multi messaging technique can be used to maximize the reach to the audience in forms like short drama, discussion, forums/talk shows, tv ads; and information clips
Radio: Varieties of Radio station have increased in the recent years in Bangladesh. Especially the FM radio shows its popular appeal among the urban people and are widely listened by the younger generation. Short messaging in between programs and discussion is useful in disseminating the information on election.
Internet and interactive websites: Here all multi messaging techniques available on the internet can be used.
Social Media: It has already brought about revolutionary changes to the way we communicate and get information. So it has become the preferred platform of communication for the current generation of young people. The US Presidential election has shown very clearly the potent of the social media in the election communication. Here facebook, twitter and blogging are prominent. The organisers of the election should made use of this media to evoke desired behaviour from young voters who are also opinion leaders in the social media arena.
(The writer is a Research Assistant in the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) and a BSS-final year student of the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at University of Dhaka)
