For credible CCC polls

The CCC poll has been very eagerly awaited by the dwellers of the port city, and, not surprisingly, this has been regarded as a test case for good election in Bangladesh. The keen interest that has been evinced in the election is demonstrated by the very large number of contestants in the mayoral race as well as for ward commissioners' posts, a challenging prospect indeed for those conducting the polls.

It would not be wrong to suggest that the major political parties, through their pre-poll activities have demonstrated their stakes in the outcome of the elections, and well they might. Also, the tone and tenor of the campaign and the level of hype that it was carried to, have lent it an aura of a national election. However, it is with regret that we note the tendency of some candidates towards making intimidating utterances, quite out of line with electoral and political norms.

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The spending spree that has been reportedly associated with this election is mind boggling. We strongly feel that it is the quality of the candidates and not his or her monetary clout that should be the final determinant of any electoral outcome.

It is our hope that the CCC election will be entirely free and fair and to this end we would like to suggest that the EC must have a firm grip on its conduct and remove all loopholes that have the potentials of derailing the elections.

It is far better to take all necessary steps in advance to hold a flawless election than employ damage control measures afterwards.