Morning News
24th June 1969
Mujib urges direct elections on adult franchise basis
(By Our Staff Reporter)
AWAMI LEAGUE (SIX-POINT) CHIEF SHEIKH MUJIBUR RAHMAN YESTERDAY SAID THE APPROPRIATE METHOD OF TRANSFERRING POWER TO THE PEOPLE FOR THE PRESENT AUTHORITIES WOULD BE TO MAKE IMMEDIATE ARRANGEMENTS TO HOLD DIRECT ELECTIONS ON THE BASIS OF UNIVERSAL ADULT FRANCHISE AND REPRESENTATION ON THE BASIS OF POPULATION.
IN A STATEMENT HANDED OVER TO THE PRESS AT THE AWAMI LEAGUE OFFICE IN DACCA, SHEIKH MUJIB SAID: IT IS THE PEOPLE ALONE, ACTING THROUGH THEIR ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES THAT CAN LEAD THE COUNTRY BY FIRMLY INDICATING THEIR CHOICE OF OBJECTIVES AND PARTIES. “POWER MUST THEREFORE BE TRANSFERRED WHERE IT BELONGS, THAT IS TO THE PEOPLE”.
Sheikh Mujib’s suggested object for “holding these elections” was to bring into being “a federal parliamentary structure, which would provide the country with representative legislatures and a civilian government to which power should be transferred immediately”.
He suggested that the federal legislature would function both as a legislative and constituent assembly. In the latter capacity the body of the elected representatives “must set itself a time limit of not more than six months within which to deliver the constitution”.
Sheikh Mujib said elected representative with a clear mandate must resolve the basic constitutional issues which have remained unsettled and adopt a constitution reflecting the wishes of the people and securing the vital interest of the nation. “Only a constitution embodying the popular will and representing a true national consensus could command the sanctity as the fundamental law of the land. It must be realised that there is no other way, nor any shortcut to the solution of our problems”.
Reaffirming Awami League’s commitment to Six-Point programme and the 11-Point Programme of the students, Sheikh Mujib said his party will submit its programme to the nation for electoral ratification.
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