The alliance of leftist parties has announced plans to contest the general election, but senior leaders of the eight parties are reluctant to see themselves as candidates.

At a media call on Tuesday (Nov 13), the Left Democratic Alliance (LDA) said that it will join the polls slated for Dec 30 and launch a simultaneous campaign against the government to make sure it’s free and fair.

It said the Election Commission has announced the schedule without addressing the demands by political parties for a credible election.

According to senior leaders of the coalition, the people view the move as a ‘plot by the government for a lopsided election’, which prompted them not to float the leadership as candidates.

Even after announcing to join the race, the coalition apprehends that a free and fair election will not be held, especially it’s apparent that a level playing field is yet to be ensured, they said.

Among the senior party leaders reluctant to be a candidate are LDA coordinator and Biplobi Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque.

“The party is yet to decide whether to nominate me as a candidate,” he told Bangla Tribune. Party insiders, however, said Saiful is not contesting the polls.

Communist Party of Bangladesh President Mujahidul Islam Selim, however, said it was the ‘party’s call’ who will get the ticket.

“Besides, my health condition is not that good. And the leftist parties’ activities do not evolve around election and the whole leadership never contests the polls,” he told Bangla Tribune.

Ganatantrik Biplobi Party General Secretary Moshrefa Mishu is not taking part in the election as well.

Her comments were not available, but two senior LDA leaders confirmed that she will be not seen as an MP aspirant.