THE elections to 117 municipalities in 50 districts get underway today amidst great enthusiasm and high expectation among the electorate. Though the polls are not taking place in all the 64 districts of the country, they nevertheless represent a huge electoral exercise concerning a very important local government tier. The process aimed at strengthening democracy by devolving decisionmaking powers on to local levels is a crucial part of democratic institutionalisation.

These elections are not fought on party tickets; yet the notion that party colour plays a significant role in them can't be ruled out. Although the positioning on local issues and power relationships are factors that influence the voting pattern, party loyalties as well tend to figure in the shaping of an electoral verdict. So, attempts at interference and intimidation cannot be wished away.

Some election monitoring outfits had alleged in the preelection phase that many candidates were 'violating election rules'. According to Ferna, 'In some areas of the country voters belonging to the minority community' were being 'intimidated'. These are the reports that the Election Commission and the government administration must take into account as the elections are conducted over the next six days. The onus lies on the political parties, more so on the ruling party to see that the elections pass off peacefully. Free, fair and peaceful elections would earn credit for the government.

The Chief Election Commissioner had termed 43 pourashavas 'risk-prone' in placing a request with the government for army deployment. But the latter insisted that these are local elections and that the BDR, Ansar and extra police force being made available for election duty should suffice. Only the next few days can tell whether the approach was right. BNP secretary-general and LGRD minister Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan has reportedly given a word on behalf of the government that from their side nothing would be done to influence the vote. We would like to pin hopes on his assurances. In any case, all efforts must be made to stave off intimidation and violence in the electoral process.

One of the most positive aspects of this election is the huge number of woman candidates taking part in the election. It's a sign that re-enforces our belief in equal opportunities even more. We simply hope, the election will be another step forward towards consolidating democracy from the local level, if it is held with efficiency and transparency.