BANGLADESH'S elections on Dec. 29 are a hope for the country to return to civilian rule but this cannot be reality unless those with a stake in the vote – including the international community – ensure all registered parties contest credible, peaceful polls. The vote and an end to emergency rule does not equal democracy. They are just necessary preconditions to the country's stability. The political situation is complex and fragile. Regardless of who wins the election, the next government and the opposition parties will face the challenges of making parliament work and contending with an army that wants a greater say in politics. Bangladesh's two largest political parties, the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), are approaching the election from opposite positions. The Awami League, viewed as the frontrunner, is eager to contest the polls promptly and with few preconditions. The BNP is in disarray. The party threatened to boycott if emergency laws barring many of its members from standing in the election were not rescinded. BNP boycott threats have already forced one poll delay, and party leaders say a boycott is still an option if the state of emergency is not lifted before the election. It would be in the best interest of Bangladesh if the caretaker government lifts the state of emergency by Dec. 17, as pledged, and not restrict rights and freedoms necessary for a credible election. The Electoral Commission also has a responsible role to play in disseminating information on voting procedures to public, and publish the results promptly and accurately. On the other side, the parties should not take the international community's support for elections as an endorsement of their behaviour but rather see it as belated recognition of the dangers of military rule. A sceptical public will offer yet another chance to politicians to deliver on democracy and change. __
