In a firm and uncompromising stance, Jamaat-e-Islami has declared that national elections will not take place unless its key demands, including electoral reforms, a level playing field, and the introduction of a Proportional Representation system, are fully met by the interim government.
The hardline position was iterated on Thursday, August 21, by Hamidur Rahman Azad, Assistant Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami, following a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon.
“Elections cannot and will not happen unless the necessary conditions and demands we have outlined are fulfilled,” Azad told reporters, delivering a clear ultimatum to the caretaker administration and the Election Commission.
Jamaat's key demands: PR system, fair play, and voter rights
Jamaat, which has long advocated for electoral reform, stressed that equal opportunity for all political parties remains absent, a critical obstacle to credible polls.
While the party expressed openness to an election timeline, whether in February or even December 2024, it insisted that the process must be anchored in fairness.
“We had proposed that the election schedule be announced by February or April. But the most important thing is this: a level playing field must be ensured. Right now, that balance is missing,” said Azad, a former Jamaat MP.
He added that the Election Commission acknowledged the concern and claimed efforts were underway to address it, though Jamaat remains sceptical without visible, concrete steps.
Proportional representation: A non-negotiable for fair elections
A central pillar of Jamaat’s demand is the adoption of a Proportional Representation (PR) system, which the party believes is essential for a truly democratic and inclusive election.
“We have always been sincere about fair elections. The PR system is the best model – it ensures voters are properly represented and prevents manipulation,” Azad asserted.
He maintained that while the final decision lies with the people, public opinion must be shaped to pressure the government into adopting PR.
“If the people demand it, the government will have no choice but to implement it. Time will tell.”
‘No concessions without conditions’
Azad made it clear that participation in the upcoming Jatiya Sangsad elections is conditional, not automatic.
“The government must go to the polls only after meeting the conditions we’ve laid out. Only then can we guarantee that elections will take place. Otherwise, there will be no election.”
The statement marks a significant escalation in Jamaat’s political posture, positioning the party as a vocal challenger to any electoral process it deems flawed or biased.
EC engagement: Dialogue or deadlock?
The meeting with the CEC suggests Jamaat is seeking formal channels to push its agenda. However, with other major parties also voicing concerns over neutrality and reform, the pressure on the Election Commission is mounting.
As the nation awaits the EC’s official election roadmap, expected to be announced soon, Jamaat’s warning adds a new layer of tension to an already volatile political landscape.
With the clock ticking, the question remains: Can the interim government and EC deliver a process all parties can trust, or will the spectre of boycott and unrest return?