THE EFFORT OF THE NON-PARTY CARETAKER GOVERNMENT TO MAKE THE NINTH PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS 2008 IN BANGLADESH FREE, FAIR AND CREDIBLE

Abstract This study focuses the electoral reforms and the practical performances of the Non-party Caretaker Government in terms of its role to ensure that the ninth parliamentary elections be free, fair and credible. In Bangladesh, after Parliament had been dissolved, the constitutionally-mandated Non-party Caretaker Government was appointed to oversee the parliamentary elections, its main purpose being to assure free, free and credible democratic elections. Thus, the Non-party Caretaker Government (2007-2008) has undertaken an ambitious electoral reforms programme which includes reconstitution of the Bangladesh Election Commission, electoral law reform, voter registration with photographs and political party registration with Election Commission. In this study, I have analysed why the Non-party Caretaker Government has undertaken these electoral measure and how they have been applied in the electoral process. Besides, I have examined their influences on making the elections transparent and credible. It is found that collectively, these electoral measures have facilitated to create a more independent election management body, and provided the basic conditions for genuine elections, such as the right of political parties and candidates to participate, and a level playing field for conducting the campaigns. Moreover, this effort has made the ninth Parliamentary Elections more transparent and credible than previously held elections.