Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina won the elections for a fourth term solidifying her position as the world’s longest-serving female head of government, according to the electoral commission.
The general elections were boycotted by the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, raising questions about the legitimacy of the polls.
Low turnout
In a nation of 170 million people, Bangladesh became the first in South Asia to hold polls this year. However, voter turnout was notably low, standing at 40% of the 120 million eligible voters, according to Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal.
Overall results
The election covered 299 out of 300 parliamentary seats, with one seat facing postponement due to the death of an independent candidate, as mandated by law.
Despite a delayed announcement from the Election Commission regarding January 8’s election results, TV stations with nationwide coverage revealed that the Awami League secured victory in 224 out of the 299 seats.
Independent candidates claimed 62 seats, the Jatiya Party, the third-largest in the country, secured 11 seats, and the Kallyan Party obtained 1 seat. The outcomes for the remaining constituencies were still being reported.
Boycott from the BNP
The main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, boycotted the elections, citing Hasina’s refusal to resign and allow a neutral caretaker government to oversee the process.
The party refused to accept the election outcome, saying Bangladeshi voters have rejected the government’s one-sided election.
The lead-up to the general election was marred by political unrest with at least 18 arson attacks preceding the vote but the election day passed in relative calm.
The violent incidents included, polling booths set ablaze and a tragic train fire claiming four lives, including two children.
Economic challenges compounded the situation, leading Bangladesh to secure a substantial $5 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund last year.
Sheikh Hasina, in power since 2009, addressed a press conference in Dhaka after casting her vote where she emphasized the country’s commitment to democratic rights and aspirations for a better life.
“I’m trying my best to ensure that democracy should continue in this country,” she added. “Without democracy, you cannot make any development.”
Concerns about Bangladesh’s Democracy
Human rights organizations expressed concerns about the potential consolidation of power into a one-party system under Hasina’s leadership. Reports of increased political violence and voter intimidation heightened worries about the state of democracy in the country.
Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center, had said before elections that none of those contesting would be able to mount much of a challenge to Hasina’s party.
“The outcome is all but guaranteed, and that is that the Awami League will return (to power) again,” he had stated, noting that “Bangladesh’s democracy will be in an extremely precarious state once the election is done.”
Economic challenges loom large for Bangladesh, as the International Monetary Fund recommended tightening monetary policy and adopting greater exchange rate flexibility to curb inflation.
The intersection of political and economic issues poses significant tests for Sheikh Hasina’s leadership as she embarks on her fourth consecutive term.