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Can Bangladesh learn from the US elections?

Syed Saad Andaleeb
MINUTES after Barack Obama was declared as the 44 th President of the Uniteci States of America I received the following email, "CONGRATULATIONS folks! Now USA can realize her true potential and be what she's meant to be with the leadership of PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA" It was a victory -- and a solid one --built on the twin promises of hope and change. And it was a strong warning to another set of twins: control and arrogance.
The email was sent by an American of Bangladeshi birth. Obama's victory and the election process, reflecting a grueling encounter between the candidates and the public whose trust and confidence had to be gained in every step, had touched him indeed. Soon after, there were more phone calls from overjoyed people from all over the United States. As if not to be excluded, calls even came from Dhaka. Without a doubt, the euphoria was endemic. People were cheering wildly, even hysterically, while others just stood there with an unbelieving stare.
For many African-American people, there were tears of joy streaming down their cheeks, reflecting a sense of liberation, a realization that they had perhaps reached the promised land of Martin Luther King after bearing with fortitude all they had to endure for generations. Stalwarts such as the Reverend Jesse Jackson and Oprah Winfrey could not hold back their tears and there was a palpable feeling that this was their moment...their tryst with destiny, their tryst with hope for emancipa- tion. But that ardent sense was not confined to the African-American people alone; it easily crossed lines and flowed into the lives of all Americans and,, Seemingly, pto (he lives of those all over the worm who have kept the candle of hope burning -- in Kenya, in Greece, in Australia, and elsewhere! As I was writing, another email rolled in: "It's a great victory. It is only possible in USA"
Only possible in USA? In the midst of this tumultuous victory, I could not help but reflect on the election due in December in Bangladesh. One cannot help but note the contrasts. What hope does that election offer? When querying people about their thoughts I could not sense any euphoria or any feeling of hope that a leader like Obama will emerge with a flourish and fresh breath of change in the Bangladesh scene. Rather, what I felt, and I ardently hope I am wrong, was deflated expectations and a sense of despondency that the same inertia of the past, the same bickering and the same cold-hearted politics will pervade the political landscape.
These conversations with various segments reflect a deep sense of ambivalence in their ranks that does not augur positive changes to result from the December elections. When the caretaker government (CTG) took over last year, there was a sense . of jubilation that substantial and positive changes would follow in its wake, given how statecraft was systematically utilized in selfserving ways by a small but powerful segment of the political-bureaucratic-business clique. That positive atmosphere has been
methodically whittled away, and after the release of various elements from incarceration, believed to be a part of that clique, the new dynamics have led to an erosion of faith in the entire system, deepening the sense of foreboding and uncertainty about the election and its aftermath.
The long-term continuation of any unelected government is certainly undesirable, and I shall defend that statement any day. However, I cannot help but wonder what the present election fervour means. We know nothing about any of the candidates or their positions and promises. We do not knowwhat new things they will bring to the table. We do not know what their priorities are and what changes they pledge. We have no sense of direction from the various political parties except that they want to participate in the electoral process. In the US, we have seen for close to two years what the potential candidates had to offer to the nation. There was serious public debate among the contenders through which they appealed to the hearts and minds of the electorate. On their way to the presidency, they were whetted to the core. What do the purported leaders in Bangladesh have to offer? In what way are they to be whetted to deter-
mine who should represent the people? Under the circumstances, what do the people of the land have to go by to shape their expectations that would ultimately influence their votes? Sadly, there is no clear message that would help the public in their choice of a leader.
It is a valid question to ask, therefore, what the mere holding of an election has to do with the much vaunted and cherished term “democracy.” From the evidence, it would appear that the reins of power would be going to the “same old” band of politicians that have run the country for the past thirty-seven years. Unfortunately, there is nothing new here. And if history is any indicator, what they are likely to contribute to the status of Bangladesh requires li ttle conjecture.
That does not mean, however, that all is lost Much has been accomplished, “despite" the obnoxious leadership. How can one ignore the 6-7% growth rate that has made Bangladesh aJTaradox" o.r giyeo. it entry to the Next-11? How can one ignore the higher per capita income (roughly $500) or the gains made in education (especially for women) and the progress attained in sectors such as shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, garments or
manpower exports? There are clear signs from the people to the politicians that in their hard work and innovative drive, they can serve as a springboard for Bangladesh to move up in the community of nations.
To harness this strength effectively, the politicians must own up to their folly of having set the nation back by their brand of leadership and demonstrate how they intend to change things for the better. It is high time that “they” offer some clear signs in reciprocation. Otherwise, holding the elections in the time frame promised by the CTG would merely represent an exercise whose outcome is at best hazy and promises to bear little fruit.
Some pundits argue that that is the way democracy progresses -- in fits and starts and involving convul- sions that society must be willing to bear and endure. Can that be the only answer to establishing democracy? After all, we have so much more knowledge today about processes, institutional structures, «nd legal frameworks to help avoid many of the hindrances. Do we need to really reinvent the wheel? How long must the people of Bangladesh endure the uncertainties and be willing to accept being reduced to irrelevance by their political representatives? Surely there must be a better way to choose the right representatives.
Barack Obama said in his victory speech “...that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope." These are inspiring words that have the power to uplift. Politicians in Bangladesh say similar things too: but their words are not supported by their actions. And that betrays the trust and confidence that people want to repose in
What we need today is someone who can repair the broken trust and make the nation confident in its undertakings: someone who can lead this nation proudly’ into the 21st Century with integrity, honour, and dignity. Is there such a figure that the December election is likely to produce? Is there a leader one can name who will give Bangladesh a “government of the people, by the people, and for the people?"
Syed Saad Andaleeb PhD rs Prc'esscr and Program Char. Black School of Business, Pem State Erie and Edfor. Journal of Bangladesh Sbjd.es, ssa4@bsu edu