HRM Rokan Uddin
The nation stands today at a critical juncture. In just one week, the people will walk to polling centers to exercise their most powerful democratic rights, the right to choose their representatives and shape the future of the country. Elections are not merely a political event; they are a test of national maturity, collective responsibility, and our commitment to democracy itself. In the days leading up to this election, we have already witnessed some small and scattered incidents during the campaign period. While no one may appear decisive on their own, history teaches us that even minor sparks can be exploited to ignite large-scale instability if vigilance is relaxed. At this sensitive moment, we must remain alert to the possibility of deliberate sabotage by interested quarters seeking to derail the electoral process. Such forces may operate from within or from outside the country, driven by agendas that are hostile to national stability and democratic continuity. This is precisely why caution, restraint, and unity are essential now more than ever.
We must remind ourselves of a fundamental truth: we all belong to this country. Political parties may differ in ideology, strategy, and leadership, but none are outsiders. Every registered political party, every candidate, every supporter is part of the same national family. Political competition does not—and must not—mean political annihilation. Attempts to eliminate opponents, silence dissent, or delegitimize others weaken the very foundations of the state. Democracy thrives not on exclusion, but on accommodation. Our immediate and overriding objective must be clear and non-negotiable: a free, fair, credible, and peaceful election. This goal stands above party manifestos, electoral arithmetic, and short-term political gains. No victory achieved through intimidation, manipulation, or disorder can ever be a true victory. Likewise, no defeat accepted with dignity and responsibility is a loss for the nation. The real winner of a fair election is the country itself.
Political parties have a special responsibility currently. Leaders must guide their supporters with wisdom, not emotion, with discipline, not provocation. Campaign rhetoric must not inflame passions or deepen divisions. Differences of opinion should be expressed through argument and vision, not through threats, misinformation, or street violence. The streets must remain spaces of peaceful expression, not arenas of confrontation.
Equally important is the conduct of supporters at all levels. Democracy is not safeguarded by institutions alone; it is preserved by the behavior of citizens. Every individual has a role in resisting rumors, rejecting false narratives, and refusing to be drawn into engineered chaos. Disinformation, propaganda, and conspiracy theories are among the most dangerous weapons used by those who fear a successful election. They seek to create confusion, erode trust, and provoke reactions that justify disruption. We must not fall into that trap. As election day approaches, national unity must be our shield. Unity does not mean uniformity of thought; it means shared commitment to national interests. Unity means protecting the process even when we fear the outcome. Unity means placing the country above party, ego, and revenge.
And when the election is over, whatever the results may be—another crucial test awaits us. Acceptance of people’s verdict is the cornerstone of democracy. Those who win must remember that victory is not a license for arrogance, exclusion, or retaliation. It is a responsibility to govern for all citizens, including those who did not vote for them. Those who lose must show political maturity by respecting the outcome, using constitutional and peaceful means to express dissent, and preparing constructively for the future. The nation cannot afford a cycle of endless contestation where every election result is rejected, disputed, or destabilized. That path leads only to paralysis and decline. In this context, the idea of a coalition or national government deserves serious and sincere consideration. At a time of economic challenges, social polarization, and complex regional and global pressures, inclusive governance can provide stability and confidence. A national or broad-based coalition government—formed voluntarily and in good faith—can help heal divisions, reduce political tension, and focus collective energy on urgent national priorities.
Such cooperation would send a powerful message: that political leaders can rise above partisan interests when the country needs them most. National challenges do not recognize party lines. Economic recovery, employment generation, governance reform, institutional strengthening, social justice, and national security require continuity, consensus, and cooperation. A divided political class cannot effectively guide a nation through difficult transitions. A united leadership, even amid differences, can. At the same time, we must remain constantly alert to the propaganda and conspiracies of enemies of the country, whether domestic or foreign. History shows that moments of political transition are particularly vulnerable to external interference and internal manipulation. Forces that benefit from instability will attempt to exploit divisions, amplify rumors, and weaken trust in institutions.
National unity and clarity of purpose are the strongest defenses against such threats. This unity must be anchored in clear national objectives: protecting sovereignty, strengthening democracy, ensuring justice, promoting development, and safeguarding social harmony. Political debates should revolve around how best to achieve these objectives—not around who can destroy whom more effectively. The goal must be to take the country to a new and better standard where elections are routine, peaceful, and credible; where political opposition is respected; where institutions function independently; and where citizens feel secure, valued, and hopeful about the future. To achieve this, political parties and leaders must consciously choose restraint over retaliation, dialogue over domination, and cooperation over confrontation. Old grudges, historical divisions, and personal animosities must give way to a larger national vision. Nations do not move forward when leaders remain prisoners of past conflicts.
This election is not just about forming the next government. It is about defining the political culture we want to leave for future generations. Do we want a culture of fear and permanent hostility, or one of competition tempered by responsibility? Do we want a state weakened by division, or strengthened by unity? The answer lies in our collective behavior over the coming days. Let us protect this election—not just with laws and security measures, but with conscience, patriotism, and wisdom. Let us show the world, and more importantly ourselves, that we are capable of democratic maturity. Let us prove that our love for the country is stronger than our loyalty to any single party or leader. If we succeed, the nation will emerge stronger—regardless of who wins. And that, ultimately, is the victory that truly matters.
Writer: A Retired Major General, Geo-political and Security Analyst, Author.
Rokan's Journal 