Daily Mirror Editorial

Elections are upon us again, and the presidential election on January 26 is being described as the mother of all elections. It is said the best source of legitimacy for a democratic political system is a ballot vote. A government or person chosen by the people in a free and fair election is deemed legitimate and democratic. In countries such as ours, all elections presidential, parliamentary or provincial should result in political representation of all ethnic and socio-cultural groups, and more importantly help bridge the crevices politically.

In the recent past, the turn-out at Sri Lankan elections has been dwindling. We need to examine why it is so. Is it election fatigue, lethargy or just that feeling ‘my vote wouldn’t make a difference?’

Is it time for Sri Lanka to make voting obligatory as in some countries? One of the most well-known compulsory voting systems prevails in Australia. All citizens over 18 except those of unsound mind, or those convicted of serious crimes must be registered to vote and show up at the poll on Election Day. A dependable electoral system would lead to increased participation and the emergence of legitimate representatives, those who are competent and capable of handling a wide range of needs and expectations. An election marred by violence and malpractice can derail progress towards social equality or even political stability. Competition between political parties and candidates must be within democratic norms. 

 An electoral process must build understanding and trust, not just among politicians and election administrators, but also among civil society organizations, commentators and more importantly among the citizens of all communities. While exercising its franchise a society needs to look beyond current situations, it is only then a vote can contribute to the development of a stable democracy. In any event as the old adage says, ‘in a democratic system people get the leaders they deserve.’

Sri Lankans who generally like to identify themselves as apolitical or non-aligned in the interest of safety are now quietly engaging in poojas and prayer services and beseeching the Almighty for good governance.

In the past one year and not known to many people in various walks of life have been meeting to discuss reforms that will ensure peaceful coexistence and sustainable   governance. These peoples’ forums are active in the districts of Hambantota, Matara, Galle in the South and Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee in the East. People from Kandy and Nuwara Eliya have also begun similar discussions.

The forums meet every month and have identified through consensus various legal reforms that they believe should be addressed to ensure lasting peace and coexistence and to prevent future ethnic divisions.  Senior political science lecturers from the local universities are on hand at these meetings to help the participants understand matters of governance and legal reforms. The participants come up with their own ideas to build a unified democratic society and to ensure that grievances of all communities are dealt with.

During the initial meetings the participants were asked to identify and come to a consensus on reforms that they believe should be addressed. These forums have identified 11 issues which make interesting reading. They range from Transparent Governance, Effective Implementation of State Decisions and Multiculturalism and Religion-State Relationship.

What causes concern is that ‘Media Freedom’ is not among the issues discussed at these forums. Sadly it appears that the role of the media in a democracy has not been understood.  Where have we gone wrong or has the government been successful in pushing the free media out of the role they should play in maintaining the checks and balances of participatory democratic government?

This editorial appeared in the Dec. 5 print version.

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