The integrity of elections is fundamental to democratic governance, as it determines the legitimacy and credibility of political leadership. In Bangladesh, the electoral system has been characterised by controversy and debate, particularly regarding issues of fairness and inclusiveness. Historically, the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) system, which is the current electoral method, has been subject to criticism for producing disproportionate results, leading to questions about its efficacy in representing the diverse political voices of the country. This system frequently allocates seats to parties with a plurality of votes, not necessarily a majority, resulting in distorted political representation. In contrast, the Proportional Representation (PR) system offers an alternative that aligns more closely with democratic principles, ensuring that the distribution of parliamentary seats reflects the proportion of votes cast for each political party. The implementation of a PR system in Bangladesh has the potential to address numerous electoral deficiencies observed in previous elections and provide a more equitable framework for future electoral processes.
The Current Electoral System and Its Flaws
The First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system in Bangladesh, inherited from the British colonial era, is characterised by a “winner-takes-all” approach. Under this system, the candidate who receives the plurality of votes in a constituency is declared the winner, even if they do not secure an absolute majority. While this system facilitates the process of vote tabulation and winner determination, it frequently results in disproportionate representation in the Parliament. A political party that obtains a significant portion of the popular vote may still fail to secure a majority of seats if its support is distributed across numerous constituencies. Conversely, a party with concentrated support in fewer constituencies can attain a majority of seats without securing a majority of the national vote.
This systemic flaw was evident in Bangladesh’s general elections, such as those conducted in 2008, 2014, and 2018. In numerous instances, the ruling party obtained a disproportionate number of parliamentary seats relative to the percentage of votes they received. For example, in the 2018 election, the ruling party, the Bangladesh Awami League, secured an overwhelming majority of the seats; however, concerns were raised regarding voter turnout, opposition participation, and the accuracy of representation. The 2014 election was even more contentious, as numerous major opposition parties boycotted the electoral process, resulting in a virtually uncontested victory for the ruling party. These instances demonstrate how the FPTP system can exacerbate existing political tensions and engender disenfranchisement among significant segments of the population.
Proportional Representation as a Remedy
Proportional Representation (PR) stands in stark contrast to the FPTP system. Under PR, the number of seats a party receives in the Parliament is proportional to the number of votes it wins. This means that if a party secures 30 per cent of the votes, it would be allocated roughly 30 per cent of the seats in parliament. PR systems come in various forms, including List PR, Mixed-Member PR, and Single Transferable Vote (STV), but the central concept remains the same-fairness in representation.
Benefits of the PR System for Bangladesh
One of the most significant advantages of a PR system is that it ensures that political parties are represented in the Parliament in proportion to their actual support among the electorate. This prevents the distortion of electoral outcomes, where a party with a smaller share of the vote can dominate parliament. In Bangladesh, where multiple political parties exist and regional political dynamics are crucial, PR would ensure that smaller parties and independent candidates have a better chance of securing representation. This system would also encourage voter participation, knowing that every vote genuinely counts towards the final composition of the Parliament.
Bangladesh’s electoral history has been marred by allegations of vote rigging, manipulation, and irregularities. The winner-takes-all nature of the FPTP system often incentivises such behaviour, as parties seek to secure as many constituencies as possible, regardless of their overall vote share. By contrast, the PR system reduces the need for such tactics, as parties are more likely to focus on maximising their overall vote share rather than manipulating results in specific constituencies. This would likely lead to more transparent elections and strengthen public trust in the electoral process.
PR systems tend to produce coalition governments, as no single party usually secures an outright majority of seats. While coalition governments can be seen as a potential weakness due to political instability, they also promote compromise and inclusivity. In Bangladesh, where the political landscape is highly polarised between major parties like the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), a PR system could foster collaboration and reduce the divisive nature of politics. This would encourage a more moderate and consensus-driven approach to governance, as parties would need to work together to form a stable government.
In Bangladesh, regional and minority interests are often sidelined under the FPTP system. In constituencies where ethnic or religious minorities are in the majority, FPTP can result in their marginalisation at the national level. A PR system, on the other hand, would ensure that these groups receive a voice in the Parliament that is proportional to their share of the population. This would be particularly beneficial for areas like the Chattogram Hill Tracts, where indigenous communities have long struggled for political representation.
The Challenges of Implementing PR in Bangladesh
While the benefits of adopting a PR system in Bangladesh are clear, the transition would not be without challenges. The most significant hurdle would be the political will to implement such a change. The current ruling parties, which have benefited from the FPTP system, may be reluctant to adopt a system that could dilute their power. Furthermore, a lack of awareness and understanding of the PR system among the general public could lead to resistance or confusion.
Additionally, implementing a PR system requires a rethinking of the current electoral infrastructure. Electoral boundaries, the role of political parties, and the method of vote counting would all need to be reevaluated. The Election Commission would play a crucial role in educating the public and ensuring that the transition is smooth and fair.
Learning from Other Countries
Bangladesh can learn valuable lessons from other countries successfully transitioning to PR systems. Many European nations, including Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, have long used PR to ensure fair and inclusive representation. These countries have demonstrated that coalition governments, while sometimes challenging, can be effective and stable. Similarly, countries like New Zealand, which transitioned from First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) to Mixed-Member Proportional (MMP) representation in the 1990s, offer a model for how Bangladesh could reform its electoral system.
In New Zealand’s case, the shift to PR was driven by widespread dissatisfaction with the FPTP system, which often led to disproportionate results. The MMP system has since provided more balanced representation, and voter satisfaction with the electoral process has increased. Bangladesh could consider a similar approach, perhaps beginning with a mixed system that combines elements of FPTP and PR to ease the transition.
Future Prospects for PR in Bangladesh
Looking forward, the adoption of a PR system in Bangladesh would represent a significant step toward improving the country’s electoral process. Given the contentious nature of past elections and the challenges of ensuring fair representation, PR offers a viable alternative that could enhance political stability and inclusivity. While there will be challenges in implementing such a system, the potential benefits make it a worthwhile endeavour.
Bangladesh’s democracy is still evolving, and electoral reform is an essential part of that evolution. The PR system, with its emphasis on fairness and proportionality, offers a solution that aligns with the principles of democracy. As the country prepares for future elections, now is the time for political leaders, civil society, and the public to engage in a serious conversation about electoral reform. By thinking “out of the box” and embracing the possibility of PR, Bangladesh can create a more inclusive, representative, and stable democracy for future generations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Proportional Representation (PR) system presents a promising solution to many of the electoral challenges that Bangladesh faces under the current FPTP system. By ensuring fairer representation, reducing the incentive for electoral manipulation, and promoting coalition governments, PR has the potential to strengthen democracy and improve political stability in Bangladesh. However, transitioning to this system will require significant political will, public education, and a rethinking of the country’s electoral infrastructure. If successfully implemented, PR could pave the way for more inclusive and representative elections, helping to build a stronger and more equitable future for Bangladesh’s democracy.