Over the past ten years, the National Democratic Institute has conducted a series of parliamentary, civil society and political party programs in Bangladesh, and has been active in providing technical support and monitoring for the country’s elections. Since October 2003, the Institute has worked to expand democratic processes within the four major political parties by encouraging multi-party dialogue, strengthening the role of parliament, increasing constituency outreach, and enhancing the legitimacy of the electoral process. In addition, NDI works closely with Bangladeshi nongovernmental organizations on strategic planning and program development, and has provided technical assistance in promoting citizen participation in the democratic process.
Bangladesh’s transition from emergency military rule to civilian government was realized with national elections on Dec. 29, 2008, along with local elections on Aug. 4, 2008, and Jan. 22, 2009.
Political Situation
After elections in 2001, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led a four-party coalition government until the end of its mandate in October 2006. The BNP’s term was marked by the worsening of the zero-sum, often violent relations between the BNP and its chief rival, the Bangladesh Awami League (AL), which have defined Bangladesh politics since the restoration of democracy in 1991.
In October 2006, the ruling coalition stepped down and transferred power to a caretaker government that was to oversee elections in January 2007. The caretaker government, however, failed to win the trust of the AL, which charged the government with bias, declared that the party would boycott the elections and organized general strikes to force a postponement. Mass unrest and violence between the two groups may have been averted when Bangladesh’s military leaders, on Jan. 11, forced the president to postpone the elections, declare a state of emergency and step down as head of the government. The new military-backed caretaker government announced an ambitious campaign of political reform to prepare the country for a return to democratic politics, including a pledge to hold local and national polls by the end of 2008.
In May 2008, the caretaker government and major political parties engaged in negotiations to lay the groundwork for new elections and a return to democracy. The government carried out electoral reforms, voter registration and other preparations to hold elections by the end of the year. Candidates backed by the AL won a large majority of the 278 municipal offices contested in city corporation elections on August 4.
On Dec. 29, 2008, Bangladeshis went to the polls to elect a new parliament for the first time in seven years. The AL-led Grand Alliance – which includes the Jatiya Party (JP) and 11 smaller parties – won an overwhelming majority of seats in the new parliament, and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (1996-2001) regained her post.
The results of the 2008 parliamentary elections indicate that both the major parties, the AL and BNP, retain broad popular support. The AL received 49 percent of the vote, an increase of nine percent from the 2001 elections, while the BNP saw its share fall from 41 percent in 2001 to less than 33 percent in 2008. However, the number of parliamentary seats won by each party differs greatly from what the popular vote would suggest. The AL’s Grand Alliance won a decisive majority of 262 out of 299 seats, with the AL itself taking 230 seats. In contrast, the BNP’s four-party alliance won 33 seats with the BNP taking 30 seats and the BNP’s key ally Jamaat-e-Islami winning two.
On March 19, 2009, the Election Commission announced results for the 45 reserved seats for women in parliament. Electoral laws allocate the 45 seats proportionately to the parties representing the current parliament – 36 seats to ruling AL, five to the BNP, and four to the JP . Prime Minister Hasina declared that the number of seats reserved for women would increase to 100 in the next parliamentary election, raising the total number of seats to 400. Six parliamentary by-elections were held on April 2 for seats vacated by the Prime Minister, President, Opposition Leader, and former President of the JP. Of seven seats, the AL gained four, the BNP gained two, and the JP took one.
Upazila (district-level) elections held on January 22 took place in a relatively peaceful atmosphere , but compared to the Dec. 29 parliamentary elections they were characterized by low voter turnout and accusations of irregularities at the polls. As of Jan. 25, results were available for 467 upazilas; AL supported candidates won in 306 of these. BNP- supported candidates won in 77, and JP and Jamaat-e-Islami supported candidates won in 20 each. Candidates supported by other parties and independents won in 44 upazila elections. The EC suspended elections in five upazilas in response to complaints of violations of the elections code of conduct; . r e-polling occurred peacefully on April 6, yet voter turn out was low.
Events turned violent on Feb. 25, 2009, when members of the Bangladesh Rifles border guard revolted against army leaders during an annual conference, leaving 74 people dead. After a 33- hour stand off, the mutiny ended with the promise of amnesty for all mutineers as well as improved pay, living quarters and participation in UN peacekeeping missions, bringing conditions for the Bangladesh Rifles to a level comparable to that experienced by members of the army.
International Election Monitoring
NDI deployed international observers to monitor the 2008 parliamentary elections. In November 2008, NDI deployed twenty long-term observers from fourteen countries across Bangladesh to report on political developments and election preparations. In December, NDI deployed 60 accredited observers for the short-term delegation to monitor election-day processes. The delegation deemed the elections well administered and conducted in an orderly fashion.
The NDI field office monitored post-election developments, including the 2009 upazila polls, and is working with members of the Ninth Parliament to consolidate the return to elected government.
