| Publication |
2011.
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| Summary/Abstract |
This paper explores the characteristics, performance and pitfalls of the non-party caretaker government (NPCG) system that Bangladesh has developed to ensure foolproof parliamentary elections and an orderly succession of government. This system differs from the traditional system of the succession of government in a number of ways: first, none of the caretakers (members of NPCG) can be a member of the outgoing government; second, no caretaker can contest the elections; and third, none can also be a member of any political party. The NPCG can undertake only election-related activities; it is not authorised to take any major policy decision. The article examines the context within which the successive caretaker governments (since 1991) have worked and compares and contrasts their performance. It shows that although initially appreciated for its unique contribution to the transition to democracy from authoritarianism, and particularly to the orderly succession of government, the NPCG system has recently been attacked and seemingly rejected by those who were instrumental in its creation-party politicians. This paper explores the logic and politics underlying the shift in party attitude towards the NPCG system, arguing that the latter probably outweighs the former. It suggests that the system needs reform, not abolition.
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