DEMOCRACY is not a one-time achievement secured through the ballot box; it is an ongoing process of institutional development, civic engagement and the constant renegotiation of power and accountability. In Bangladesh, the democratic journey has been both inspiring and turbulent. While the country has made notable strides in economic development and social progress, its political institutions, particularly the electoral system, face recurring challenges that threaten the legitimacy of governance and erode public trust. As Bangladesh moves closer to another national election cycle, the urgency of strengthening democratic institutions through inclusive and credible electoral systems has never been greater.
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Erosion of trust
ELECTIONS are often considered the cornerstone of a functioning democracy. They provide citizens with the opportunity to choose their representatives, hold leaders accountable and influence public policy. Yet, the integrity of elections depends not just on the casting of votes but on the fairness, transparency and inclusiveness of the entire process 鈥� from voter registration to campaign financing, from media freedom to electoral dispute resolution.
Over the last two decades, Bangladesh has seen growing skepticism about the credibility of its electoral processes. Allegations of voter suppression, partisan election administration, the use of state machinery to intimidate opposition candidates and low voter turnout have frequently marred elections. The last three general elections 鈥� 2014, 2018 and 2024 鈥� were particularly controversial, with reports from national and international observers highlighting irregularities and lack of a level playing field.
This erosion of trust has serious implications. It not only delegitimises elected governments but also diminishes civic engagement and fuels political polarization. Without credible elections, democratic institutions become hollow, reduced to rituals that fail to reflect the will of the people.
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Institutional weaknesses
Bangladesh鈥檚 electoral challenges are rooted in deeper institutional weaknesses. The independence of the Election Commission has been called into question, with concerns about its impartiality and capacity. The appointment process of the Chief Election Commissioner and other commissioners remains opaque, often leading to perceptions of political bias. Moreover, the legal framework governing elections, including the Representation of the People Order, requires modernisation to reflect global best practices.
Electoral violence and political intolerance further exacerbate the problem. Political parties in Bangladesh often approach elections as zero-sum games, where victory means total control and defeat entails political irrelevance. This has led to a toxic political culture where consensus-building is rare and democratic norms are routinely undermined.
The dominance of money and muscle in politics is another systemic issue. Campaign financing lacks transparency, and there is little enforcement of limits on spending. As a result, political power is increasingly concentrated in the hands of those with wealth and connections, marginalising grassroots voices and undercutting the democratic ideal of representation.
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Inclusive electoral system
Inclusion is not a luxury; it is a necessity for democracy to function effectively. For elections in Bangladesh to be truly inclusive, multiple structural and procedural reforms are needed. First and foremost, the representation of women, youth, religious and ethnic minorities and persons with disabilities must be improved across the electoral value chain, from voters to candidates to election administrators.
Women, who make up nearly half of the electorate, are underrepresented in both elected positions and political leadership. While Bangladesh has had two consecutive women prime ministers since 1991, this progress has not trickled down to broader political participation. Parties must move beyond symbolic representation and implement gender quotas, support women candidates with resources and address cultural and logistical barriers to their engagement.
Youth engagement is another critical area. A significant portion of Bangladesh鈥檚 population is under 35, yet young people often feel disenchanted with formal politics. Civic education, youth-targeted outreach and digital platforms can help bridge this gap. The inclusion of marginalised communities, such as indigenous peoples and religious minorities, also demands proactive steps 鈥� ensuring their access to voter registration, protecting their rights to contest elections and safeguarding them from intimidation or exclusion.
Accessible polling centres, disability-friendly voter information and the deployment of assistive technology are essential to ensure that persons with disabilities can participate equally.
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Building electoral credibility
INCLUSIVENESS must be matched by credibility. A credible electoral system is one that enjoys the confidence of all stakeholders 鈥� voters, political parties, civil society and international partners. Achieving this in Bangladesh requires bold but necessary reforms.
First, the appointment of the Election Commission must be made more transparent, participatory, and based on merit. The passage of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Appointment Act in 2022 was a step forward, but it must be implemented in a spirit of independence, not partisanship. Broader consultations with civil society and political stakeholders during appointments would enhance legitimacy.
Second, the autonomy of the Election Commission must be preserved in practice, not just in law. Adequate funding, freedom from executive interference and the authority to enforce electoral rules are all vital. Election monitoring and enforcement units within the EC should be strengthened and resourced to act swiftly on violations.
Third, reforms are needed in the voter registration process to ensure accuracy, completeness, and public confidence. Biometric voter registration and periodic audits can minimize fraud and duplication. Voter education campaigns, especially in rural and underserved areas, must be ramped up well before elections, not as last-minute formalities.
Fourth, the role of law enforcement during elections must be clearly defined and closely monitored. Security forces should be trained on electoral protocols and human rights principles, and any misuse of force or political bias must be swiftly addressed.
Finally, independent and professional election observation 鈥� both domestic and international 鈥� must be welcomed, not restricted. Observers play a critical role in promoting transparency and identifying areas for improvement. Rather than seeing them as critics, election authorities and political parties should view them as allies in strengthening democracy.
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Civil society and media
Democratic resilience cannot be achieved by institutions alone; it requires an engaged citizenry and vibrant civil society. In Bangladesh, civil society organizations have long played a vital role in voter education, election monitoring, policy advocacy and defending democratic space. However, shrinking civic space and restrictive regulations 鈥� such as those affecting foreign funding or media operations 鈥� have constrained their effectiveness.
To reverse this trend, the government must foster an enabling environment where civil society can operate freely and collaborate with electoral bodies without fear or favour. CSOs should be integrated into national efforts on electoral reform and civic engagement, not sidelined.
Likewise, a free and responsible media is indispensable to democratic accountability. Journalists must be allowed to report on the electoral process without censorship, intimidation, or legal harassment. Media literacy and fact-checking mechanisms are also critical to counter misinformation and ensure an informed electorate.
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Embracing technology
TECHNOLOGY offers new opportunities to enhance electoral integrity through biometric registration, electronic result transmission, digital voter education and data analytics. However, it also brings risks of surveillance, hacking and disinformation.
Bangladesh must adopt a cautious yet forward-looking approach to electoral technology. Any tech-based solution must be piloted, publicly evaluated and backed by legislation and safeguards to ensure privacy, security and transparency. Technology should serve the people, not substitute for democratic trust.
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National dialogue
ULTIMATELY, electoral reform cannot succeed without broad-based political will and consensus. Bangladesh needs a national dialogue 鈥� bringing together political parties, the Election Commission, civil society, media, academia and the general public 鈥� to deliberate on the future of its democracy.
Such a dialogue should not be driven by the immediate electoral calendar but by a long-term vision of inclusive, participatory and peaceful politics. It should address both structural reforms and cultural shifts 鈥� from majoritarianism to pluralism, from winner-takes-all to collaborative governance.
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Procedure to power
STRENGTHENING democratic institutions through inclusive and credible electoral systems is not merely about refining procedures 鈥� it is about redistributing power in society. It is about ensuring that every citizen, regardless of gender, class, ethnicity, or ability, has a voice in shaping the future of the nation. It is about restoring faith in the system and renewing the social contract between the state and its people.
Bangladesh has come a long way, but democracy is never finished. It must be defended, nurtured and renewed at every stage. As we look ahead, let us commit not only to holding elections but to building an electoral system worthy of the hopes, dignity and aspirations of the people it serves.
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Musharraf Tansen is a doctoral researcher with the University of Dhaka.
