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Friday, February 17, 2012

Too Easy To Manipulate

Too Easy To Manipulate

Two of my friends from Dhaka went to their village during the local government polls to cast their votes and support a friend who was one of the five aspirants in his own ward. Maintaining the rules and regulations ordained by the Election Commission, they joined the election campaign and tried their best to convince the people about the competency of his candidature. Following the expiry date of the campaign when they had nothing but to reckon the possible number of votes cast for their friend, they were quite hopeful about his triumph.

The election process was strictly maintained, the Election Commission and local administration's dedication to hold a fair and credible poll was really laudable. No fake vote was attempted to be cast and no violation of laws was seen. However, the moment of announcement of the winner gave my friends a real thrill, as they were convinced that their friend would win. But to their utter disappointment, he failed to win the race and received a severe defeat. Nothing but words of commiseration could be said to him.

A few days after the election, while my friends were roaming around their village and talking about the unexpected defeat of their friend, a man who was passing by, intervened in their discussion. He informed them that it was the grand feast for the villagers arranged by the winner during the campaign that played a key role in the defeat of their friend. How can we dream of good governance that will work for the welfare of the country and its citizens when the people are easily convinced to trade their votes in exchange of a grand feast?

Ashim Kumar Paul
Government Edward College
Pabna

To view its internet edition: Too Easy To Manipulate