When the skies over Paradise Isle were ripped open by tropical lightning, and the gods of the traditional new year looked down and wept copiously, our second thought was: “After us, the deluge!” Our initial impression was of the contrast between the fully-fledged downpour of aluth avurudu morning and the half-hearted trickle of humanity that went up to the polling station less than a week before.
Thirdly, while bucketing water off the balcony, we spared a sigh or two for the homeless, the street-bound, the slum- and shanty-dwellers most prone to take the brunt of flooding. And last but not least, we could not help thinking it was a rich irony indeed that torrential rain like this should be considered a tragedy, when a dry spell for the country’s voting punters was being hailed as a triumph for democracy…
Of course, the results of the recent election – to say nothing of the poor showing alike of several candidates after the hustings, and their erstwhile supporters at the polling booth – are open to interpretation. Firstly – that despite the hype – not all of you, dear citizens, were taking “Sri Lanka’s first post-conflict all-island poll” as seriously as you should have been.
Then, that a spate of previous elections had already taken their toll – incapacitating an overburdened populace struggling to stay afloat in a sea of campaign posters. And with the aluth avurudda round the corner, even the most ardent political animals had to reconsider more germane priorities such as juggling leave, sorting transport arrangements, adjusting for the cost of living, avoiding travelling to and fro, handling the inclement weather at that time too, etc., etc.
Also in the consideration set were other factors such as an unprecedented plethora of horses to place one’s bets on; the disincentive of the knowledge that the customary horse-trading, after the results were out, could means one’s vote was eventually cast for one’s least-favourite party; the loopholes and lacunae of the system; a disillusionment and even disgust at some elected and appointed officials in particular; and an aversion or apathy to politics in general.
The one thing that nobody among the armchair pundits was essaying as a reason for the lamentable turnout was that our citizenry were sophisticated enough to rest assured that whether they voted or not, the outcome would be representative of the people’s will. No, dear, we are not that kind of suave and confidently assured republic – yet. One lives in hope…
The way forward
But the past is prologue. More pertinent to you and me, dear, is what the powers that be will do with their reinforced mandate. Let’s first grant them their victory, shall we? With a pinch of Attic salt, no less! Be that as it may, there’s no denying the victors their spoils.
To wit, that they’ve got winning elections – and winning the voting demi-population’s hearts and minds – down to an X. What more could one wish for? Development? That’s already much in evidence on this government’s agenda – which is not only being done, but being seen to be done. Which reminds me: what about justice? Well, dear, justice is the mercy that the victors graciously choose to bestow on their followers. ’Twas ever thus, and ever will be this side of glory. Cost of living? Not even a triumphant government can crack that hoary chestnut to the mutual satisfaction of suppliers and demanders! Freedom of expression, plus? Well, aren’t you at liberty to do and say your own independent thing, as long as you don’t cross the independent-minded thinking of the people in charge?
One can ask for no more, dear! Even the more highly reputed republics in the region practise this type of democracy. Just ask the Singaporeans, will you? And while some diehard dissidents still feel that we’re on the fast track to becoming the next Burma, dear, the reality may be closer to the fact that Sri Lanka may well be (fingers crossed) the next Bali… which, after all, is part of a presidential republic that has not won as many accolades in the human-rights halls as it has snatched tourism awards from charmed visitors.
Something has to give
So, all’s well in our enchanted island, too? Not in certain quarters. To put it in a nutshell, the popularity of the major party and its increasing magnetism in all political arenas is a red flag to those who truly value republican ideals. Another threat to healthy democracy and a desirable balance of power is the holding to ransom of the main opposition party by a few good men’s personal executive ambitions. To the former, we would say: “
Seize the opportunity to evolve into statesmanlike governance that will not only help you consolidate your own state, but also establish our common estate.” To the latter, we are at a loss for words.
But since you press us, dear, let us confess to being reminded of Oliver Cromwell’s famous words to the Rump Parliament: “You have sat for too long here for any good you have been doing. Depart, I say, and let us have done with you. In the name of God, go!” |
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