Condemning the widespread vote rigging, violence and obstruction towards balloting at different polling stations during the city polls, the Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has said the Election Commission (EC) and law enforcement agencies have failed to hold credible and peaceful elections. Besides, it observed, the opposition parties have created a new risk in restoring a healthy atmosphere in the country’s political landscape by ‘controversially boycotting the city elections halfway through the polls’. In a statement on Wednesday, TIB executive director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said as massive irregularities occurred in the city polls under political shelter flexing muscle, acceptability of the elections has became questionable. “We’re concerned since the EC, as a constitutional body, has failed to play its neutral and independent role in holding the elections. The EC itself has fallen in an embarrassing situation by not taking effective steps despite creditable information of vote rigging. “The Commission has not only failed to play its due role but also tainted its image by showing political biasness,” he added. Dr Iftekhar urged all the political parties to demonstrate political tolerance and exercise democratic practices to maintain peace and discipline in public life. — Dhaka, Apr 29 (UNB)
