Frequent Elections in Sri Lanka do Not Mean Better Democracy

It is necessary to remember the fact that frequent elections do not mean better democracy and should not be misinterpreted to say that people have been given more voice in the affairs of the nation.

by N.S.Venkataraman

( June 27, 2015, Chennai, Sri Lanka Guardian) Many would have been surprised that the seventh parliament of Sri Lanka which is yet to complete its term has now been dissolved with immediate effect. The fact that the parliament has been dissolved ten months ahead of completion of the term only highlight the fact that the President can take a whimsical decision to dissolve the parliament ahead of its term, without offering any explanation or justification for his decision.

A similar decision was taken by Mr. Rajapaksa earlier when he advanced the Presidential election and paid big price. It remains to be seen whether President Sirisena’s decision would boomerang on him too.

The decision to dissolve the parliament ahead of it’s term without valid reasons is wrong and objectionable and amount to misuse of power by the President. Obviously, President Sirisena has taken this unfair decision due to political considerations and keeping his self-interest as a priority factor. This is a case of arbitrary exercise of power , giving slap on the face of the Sri Lankan citizens who have elected the parliament for a certain term. The citizens have not demanded that the parliament should be dissolved and reelection ordered and many were actually surprised and shocked that this has been done.

In India too, such dissolving of parliament and assemblies based on the convenience of the leadership of the political party in power take place frequently. Repeated criticisms have been voiced in India about such practice and as usual the politicians in India do not care. It appears that the scenario in Sri Lanka is no different.

It is necessary to remember the fact that frequent elections do not mean better democracy and should not be misinterpreted to say that people have been given more voice in the affairs of the nation.

As a matter of fact, many citizens think that there are not much differences between the calibre and commitment of the politicians in various political parties and it is hard to select any one of them to repose faith and entrust the country’s governance to them. A view is also developing that frequent elections make no difference to the quality of governance. On the other hand, when elections are ordered before hand, it results in sort of paralysis in administration with governance coming to a standstill and with no meaningful decisions being initiated. Elections have become a costly affair and the people have to bear such expenses ,whose tax money are used. Further, during the election period , the entire country become polluted with the vituperative language used by the politicians accusing each other , horse trading of seats and bickerings and even violence.

Now that President Sirisena has taken this decision, he need to be transparent and he should explain to the people in a convincing way the reasons for his decision to dissolve parliament ahead of it’s term. He has failed to do so , so far. On the other hand, there is suspicion and unhealthy rumour that President Sirisena may even be reaching a compromise with his earlier boss Mr. Rajapaksa against whom he rebelled and trounced him in the Presidential poll.

A few weeks back, there have been talk about electoral reforms in Sri Lanka and a notification on the electoral reform was issued by the government seeking comments and objections of the public. If President Sirisena were to take a decision now to dissolve parliament, why did he announce his intention for electoral reforms a few weeks back ? Now, any measures towards much needed electoral reforms will remain suspended and may not be revived in the foreseeable future.

When Mr. Sirisena was elected trouncing Mr. Rajapaksa, it was hailed as a triumph for democracy in Sri Lanka. President Sirisena was praised as hero and man of the day. All these perspectives have been now wiped out , as he appears to have dissolved parliament without rhyme or reason and without any transparent explanation.

Today, Sri Lanka is at the cross roads. It has come out of a protracted and counterproductive civil war and peace has returned to the island. There is still large segment of Sri Lankans who are in deprived conditions and who need industrial and economic growth to sustain their future. The Tamils living in northern province also expect the government to initiate rehabilitation measures with utmost speed.

What is now needed in Sri Lanka is more governance and less politicking. Mr. Sirisena appears to think the other way.