AL may change stand in case of ‘invisible’ interference in polls

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Awami League (AL) might change its electoral strategies after evaluating the August 4 polls to four city corporations and nine municipalities in which party leaders apprehend interference by ‘invisible government forces’ in favour of candidates of their choice.

The AL had decided to take part in the polls on June 27 after a crucial meeting of its Central Working Committee (ALCWC), the party’s highest decision-making body. But at the ALCWC meeting on Wednesday last, some of its members expressed doubts if it would be proper to participate in the polls if there is invisible interference.

According to senior AL leaders, the future course of politics would also depend on the polls results.

One of them said if the August 4 polls are held in a free and fair manner, then they might take part in the coming upazila parishad elections.

“We have told the Election Commission that invisible forces have been making remarks about who are honest and who are dishonest candidates ahead of the polls. It is the people, not the invisible forces, who are to give their verdict in the election,” AL Presidium Member Suranjit Sengupta told The Daily Star.

He urged all ‘visible and invisible’ forces not to interfere in the polls, and let the people cast their votes independently. He said the Election Commission (EC) has assured them of looking into the matter.

Sources said the AL might go tough on holding of upazila poll in October if it finds proofs of ‘invisible interference’, and formally brought the matter to the notice of the EC on Wednesday. HM Ershad- led Jatiya Party (JP) might also follow the AL decision.

Four AL teams comprised of senior leaders would closely monitor the elections in the four cities—Barisal, Khulna, Rajshahi and Sylhet—and submit a comprehensive report later. The report would be made public through a press conference soon afterwards.

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