At the next general election, the ordinary voter will face a dilemma. The choice before him is to vote for either the SLFP or the UNP (the other minor political parties are aligned to one or the other of these two main parties).
We do not see any major differences between the policies of the two main parties. At least on major national issues, they seem to hold the same view.
But the average voter is not happy with the way both these parties have been feathering their nests while in power. Neither party seems to want to reduce their huge official salaries, allowances and numerous perks. They are waiting to draw their pension the moment they complete their five years in office, a privilege not enjoyed by everyone.
Voting for a political party at a general election is not like casting a preference vote. In the latter instance, you show your preference for one over the other. But at a general election you should vote for the political party you consider best capable of managing the country, in everyone’s best interest. But if you cannot identify one such party, how will you cast an honest vote? Is this not a dilemma?
The voter who votes for a party whose conduct he cannot fully support is cheating himself and indirectly aiding and abetting the continuance of nepotism, corruption and bad governance.
V.K. Wijeratne |
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