Can Interim Government Ensure Level Playing Field for Poll?

The prime minister in an interview with BBC has called upon the opposition to join the interim government after the tenure of her government. It appeared rather a bolt from the blue as the same has been discussed by the civil society and the people at large and urged by the opposition since long with no positive nod from the government. Neither the prime minister nor her party took a notice on the issue. And the issue has been closed by amending the constitution as claimed by her party-men. But for democracy, no issue is buried forever so far the peoples’ interest is concerned.

She made a volte-face from her previous stern position to restore caretaker government. Likewise, all her party-men and allies of Awami League have appeared with the same stance on caretaker government.

Probably, she made the comment on interim government out of the blue without much contemplation and discussion with any party-men and political allies. The delivery came on as a result of pressure on Hard Talk, the popular BBC programme.

However, the issue of caretaker government or interim government has got some positive nod by her is an omen towards solution of political stalemate.

Though with the positive outlook, the comment falls short of any specification about the cabinet in interim government. To make it real, the government should work seriously on it to avoid any further political misfortune. The party in power, the opposition and the civil society members will come up with their intuition to form an interim/caretaker government for the next poll.

If the prime minister thinks that she will preside over the proposed interim government as per her diagram, it simultaneously will have to be endorsed by all other political parties especially the major opposition party. Without the general consensus, any political mapping for interim or caretaker government will not be commendable at all; rather it will result a political standoff and dysfunctional democracy.

The proposed interim government will need to be differentiated from the partisan system to fulfill the purpose of forming it. The balance in the number of membership in the cabinet is another area of consideration for this government in addition to the chair of the cabinet. Beside this, allocation of important ministry and portfolio is also significant for making it a balanced cabinet which can create a level playing field for all political parties in the upcoming general election.

The meeting of minds is indispensable for way out of this political situation. Realizing that reality, the High Court also has observed the same path of caretaker government for next two general general, on a condition of political consensus by the parties.

So, the window of establishing the caretaker government for next poll is open as per direction of the court as well. Only the political will is necessary by all parties.

A pragmatic and suitable amendment to the constitution with all-embracing dialogue by all parties and concerned civil society members will bring that realistic solution of the impasse.

And last but not the least, any dialogue stipulates no strict stipulation whatsoever. It smashes up the future prospect of opportunity and solution. Narrow partisan way of thinking is destructive where national interest is concerned. Nothing is unsolvable for national interest. Nothing is more difficult than its solution.

EAP