The large-scale arrest of opposition party members has grave implications for our democracy. It makes the opposition leaderless and drives its members underground, making it impossible for them to stay afloat and prepare for the upcoming election. The opposition is on fear mode and this drives them out of the playing field, and leaves the electorate without a right to choose. We are witnessing harsh suppression of the opposition at a moment when all political parties should have been holding colourful electoral campaigns in a safe and healthy electoral environment. Picking up leaders from their homes in the dead of night is unlawful and does nothing for our democracy. The silence of the Election Commission is foreboding. The ruling party is walking the wrong road.

Every day, we read of violence perpetrated by ruling party activists. We see no arrests, no investigations and, even in the face of hard-hitting facts, no actions taken. This one-eyed governance of the ruling party is fast losing credibility. So much so that even if we were to believe what it is doing is right, it is failing to deliver that message to the people and the public remain unconvinced. Trust has eroded.

The recent by-elections were an opportunity to build trust and prove that elections under an elected government can be free and fair. The opportunity was totally lost to mindless corruption and rigging. The people are rightfully asking: how can this EC under the present government hold a credible election in 300 seats?

With no real opposition in the field, with high voltage intolerance and fear raging across the political scene along with the proven incompetencies to conduct a fair election, the stage set for the upcoming election is out of whack.

The road the government has chosen is a dead end. It is suicidal for both the ruling party and the country. I cannot help asking, in such a reality: why are we holding an election at all?

Sharmeen S Murshid

Election analyst and CEO of Brotee