Upcoming series of elections: The ballot is stronger than the bullet

Md. Shawkat Alam Faisal:

"Democracy is not just the right to vote, it is the right to live in dignity." - Naomi Klein

Exploring the imminent succession of electoral events across Bangladesh, India, and the United States reveals a profound inflection point in the global political landscape. These forthcoming democratic exercises, laden with historical weight, signify not only the essence of nations' political evolution but also harbor the transformative potential to reshape the very trajectories that guide their destinies. As we anticipate these pivotal moments, the intricate interplay of political dynamics takes center stage on a global platform, transcending geographical boundaries and intricately weaving the stories of nations into a rich tapestry of democratic aspirations.

Bangladesh, positioned at the forefront of this global electoral spectacle, is on the cusp of a significant electoral process scheduled for January. The significance of this event reverberates across borders, setting the tone for a series of democratic engagements. The history of Bangladesh itself is interwoven with electoral milestones, such as the 1970 election that served as a harbinger of Bengali freedom. This historical context adds layers of significance to the upcoming electoral process, as the nation navigates its democratic path.

The electoral domino effect extends to Pakistan, poised for its own democratic exercise in February. The historical complexities of Pakistan's electoral history, marked by pivotal moments and power transitions, underscore the enduring impact of the democratic process. As these neighboring nations embark on their electoral journeys, the interconnectedness of their democratic narratives becomes increasingly evident.

Meanwhile, India's elections in May loom large on the horizon, carrying the dual promise of either reshaping the nation's political landscape or affirming the status quo of its existing governance. India's democratic journey is a mosaic of diverse states, each with its own political dynamics. Historical examples, such as the post-independence elections of 1952, where Jawaharlal Nehru's Congress party secured a decisive mandate, highlight the foundational role of elections in shaping the world's largest democracy.

Across the Atlantic, the political theater in the United Kingdom unfolds with the Tories, led by Rishi Sunak, confronting a formidable challenge to retain power against a robust opposition from Labor. The UK's political history is rife with electoral turning points, including the 1945 elections that saw the Labour Party's landslide victory, paving the way for significant post-war social reforms. This historical context frames the upcoming UK elections within a broader narrative of democratic evolution.

Simultaneously, in the United States, the political landscape is enlivened by Donald Trump's ambitious pursuit of the Republican presidential nomination, introducing potential challenges for the incumbent, President Joe Biden. The United States, with its storied electoral history, has witnessed transformative moments like the 1960 presidential election, where John F. Kennedy's victory signaled a new era of leadership. The significance of the upcoming elections lies not only in their national implications but also in their resonance within the global context.

A retrospective gaze into historical elections serves as a rich tapestry, weaving together moments of triumph and turbulence that have left indelible imprints on the global political stage. The 1970 election in Pakistan stands as a watershed moment, heralding the path to Bengali freedom despite subsequent events altering the course of history. Bangladesh's 1996 election emerges as another turning point, signaling renewal after a tumultuous period marked by tragic assassinations and leading to transformative changes, including the annulment of obstructive ordinances.

Global electoral outcomes have consistently played a pivotal role in molding destinies and evoking impassioned responses. Britain's elections in 1964 and 1997 empowered the Labour party, yet challenges emerged, notably in the context of the Blair-Bush alliance. Iconic moments like JFK's presidency in 1960 and Barack Obama's historic win in 2008 resonate profoundly, serving as symbols of transformative leadership against formidable odds.

Yet, electoral histories are nuanced, not uniformly adorned with triumphs. Instances such as Indira Gandhi's return to power in India amid governance turmoil or the rise and fall of leaders like Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe and Alberto Fujimori in Peru reflect complex legacies marked by periods of promise followed by disillusionment and downfall.

Germany's reunification in 1990 following democratic elections showcased the power of the electoral process in shaping geopolitical landscapes. Nelson Mandela's election as South Africa's president in 1994 marked a historic moment in dismantling apartheid through the democratic will of the people. Japan's post-World War II elections and the subsequent rise of the Liberal Democratic Party exemplify the role of elections in shaping post-conflict political trajectories. The 2019 Canadian federal elections, resulting in Justin Trudeau's re-election, showcased the impact of electoral choices on a nation's direction.

Broadening our perspective to Asia, Thailand's electoral landscapes and the Philippines' 1986 election, initially hailed for their promise, underscore the unpredictable nature of political transitions. In Thailand, the 2001 elections marked a shift with the election of Thaksin Shinawatra, exemplifying the intricate dance between democratic processes and societal shifts. In Uganda, optimism following Yoweri Museveni's election gave way to prolonged tenure and constitutional amendments. Meanwhile, leaders like Alberto Fujimori in Peru experienced a stark downfall following initially hopeful elections.

The global tapestry of elections extends to diverse narratives, from Francois Mitterrand's cultured leadership in France to the transformative tenures of Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush in the United States, each leaving distinct imprints on their societies.

Amidst this expansive global canvas, Bangladesh stands at the precipice of a significant opportunity in January 2024. The promise of a renewed embrace of liberal democratic values holds the potential to mark a milestone in the nation's pursuit of governance rooted in the consent of its people, encapsulating the ethos shaped over fifty-two years. As we await the unfolding of these electoral dramas, the interconnectedness of nations through the democratic process becomes increasingly evident, emphasizing the shared responsibility of shaping the future of global governance.

"Elections belong to the people." - Franklin D. Roosevelt

The writer, Md. Shawkat Alam Faisal, is an Apprentice Lawyer at the Bangladesh Bar Council and LL.M (International Law) Candidate at the Department of Law, University of Rajshahi.