“Right is Might’ hopes at the poll
View(s):Often the above is how a real democracy must work but Sri Lanka, just like many countries where a democracy is claimed to exist, doesn’t work in a way where the people’s right is sacrosanct.
No one however should devalue the persistence of the independent media, civil society, community-based organisations and good governance advocates to ensure the people’s right to vote and make their choice in a fair and free environment.
Politicians from the country’s two main political parties regularly pay lip service to the ideal of a ‘free and free environment’ to vote. The reality is that when in opposition, scream your head out for the ‘people’s right to vote’ but when out, completely ignore and plead amnesia.
However the interesting part is that both the main presidential candidates – Mahinda Rajapaksa and Maithripala Sirisena – are campaigning for change. In a recent interview, Rajapaksa said he would like to be more a statesman than a politician in a potential third term, while Sirisena is clearly for a new political culture where the people would be supreme. These are values that have been said before, over and over ad nauseam, but not with such determination as it is this time. No doubt the President takes criticism about his administration seriously and plans, so he says, to reduce the dictatorial-like powers of his office.
So will the voter finally get his or her rightful place in society? That is what the Business Times sought to ascertain this week ahead of the January 8th election and the opinion poll pointed the way ahead in one direction: How independent is the Police Chief and his officers during election time?
Most of the respondents believe a clean election is possible only if the Inspector General of Police and the department act independently and also that the Elections Commissioner would, by a directive, ensure that the Police will act without bias or discrimination. Respondents were very clear on these two points.
For decades most elections have been confronted with one simple issue: Will the poll be fair and free and without irregularities? The 2010 January presidential election drew its share of allegations with accusations of computer rigging or ‘computer jilmart’ that may have robbed then opposition candidate Sarath Fonseka of a possible victory.
This time too, the opposition has expressed fears of irregularities while the Elections Commissioner has assured, very strongly, that he would not allow such a violation. To some extent the elections chief is getting tough with an Information Department official this week relieved of his duties over a web story that impinged on elections laws.
Well, how will the Police act? Sri Lankans are hoping that even if police officers are under pressure to do the bidding of politically-powerful higher-ups, some are likely to act according to their conscience and refuse any unlawful orders.
No victory is sweet if the election process has been marred by irregularities. There have been many in the run up to the poll with blatant abuse of state resources, unnecessary advantage to the incumbent President Rajapaksa and use of state officials, some virtually being forced, into propaganda orders.
No doubt there is a momentum for change in the country. Many people sense it, believe in it. The feeling is there … if only people are allowed to vote without fear or favour.
Will this be the year where “Right is Might” triumphed over “Might is Right”, which has prevailed for many years with one glaring example seen on local roads where armed convoys ‘protecting’ politicians force other users out of their path or face some unknown threat. The other day two youngsters waiting at a bus stand were almost mowed down by two defender jeeps which crashed in the bus halt. The tearful pleas on TV by the parents of the two victims reflected to what extent the rule of law has collapsed in Sri Lanka. No one can deny that, not enough the Police spokesman whose laughable, stock response to a crisis is that “an inquiry will be held or has begun”.
Both candidates should seriously consider – not too late to promise – that in the future a caretaker cabinet or an ‘interim’ president would be appointed (whichever election) to ensure all candidates are equal and without an advantage. A classic example of the abuse of state resources and officials was the near 90-minute ‘political’ speech by Treasury Secretary P.B. Jayasundera at the launch of the 2015 Roadmap by the Central Bank on Friday. Many bankers and businesspersons left the venue in disgust.
The two candidates are promising ‘continuity’ or ‘change’. Sirisena also has a huge shopping list to complete if elected.
Given the political culture in the country applicable to all politicians, people also want to know whether the election will pave the way for a new set of ‘chandiyas’ after the old set goes, or whether a decent political culture will emerge.While the future of the nation lies in the hands of the voter, the independence of the Police will play a crucial role in making the decision.