Independent candidates now in record book

In Bangladesh's 12th general elections, the Awami League emerged victorious with nearly a two-thirds majority, paving the way for the party to form a government for the fourth consecutive term. One of the largest political parties, the BNP, along with many others, boycotted the polls, claiming it was unfair and a mockery of democracy. They demanded a new election for the sake of democracy and promised to continue their movement to arrange an election under a non-partisan caretaker government.

A remarkable event occurred after the results of the general elections were announced. The highest number of independent candidates were elected this time, the all-time record in the election history of Bangladesh. A total of 62 independent candidates were elected in the 12th general elections. Even though only two candidates are outsiders of the Awami League and the rest belong to the ruling party, leading national media outlets in Bangladesh assert that the Awami League gained these 60 seats by posing as independents. 

The highest-ever independent candidates in South Asia won in the general elections of Pakistan. In a non-partisan system, almost 1,300 candidates competed for 237 seats in the national assembly during President Zia Ul Haq's 1985 general elections. Under an ally of the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (MRD), political parties boycotted that election. Although the voting turnout was reasonable, it was the mistake of MRD not to realize the pulse of voters in Pakistan.

In South Asia, Nepal had the second-highest number of independent candidates that won polls. In 1986, political parties were banned in Nepal. In the election, 1,548 candidates were running for 112 seats. Thus, in all 112 of Nepal's election contests, non-partisan candidates became successful. Furthermore, the third-highest independent winners in South Asia are bolstered by a special scenario. In 1999, there were no political parties in the Maldives. As a result, at that time, 42 independent candidates won the election. 

If we look at our neighboring country, India, independent candidates won double digits only six times in the Lok Sabha election, the lower house of India. The highest number of non-partisan candidates is 37. After 1989, independent candidates in the Lok Sabha were never able to secure double digits.

In Sri Lanka, the highest number of non-partisan candidates won the country's first general elections in 1947. At that time, Sri Lanka was named as Ceylon.

Bangladesh has made history in South Asia by having the most independent candidates win in the general elections held with the participations of political parties.

Experts can analyse the results of the election. Nevertheless, let me say that the public demand for a more inclusive election.

Writer: Furqanul Alam, News Editor, Channel 24

/MHK/