Vote wise

Saturday, 8 October 2011 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A vote is the greatest right that the people have in a democracy. As people head to the local government polls, there is a grave need to focus on what this precious vote should be used for. The run-up to this election has been much like the previous ones. The Government is keen to break the final stronghold of the United National Party in Colombo and the no-holds-barred attitude of the candidates has left democracy in a sorry state.

Media reports have come thick and fast over high numbers of election law violations. While there have been no deaths so far, the sheer scale and repetition of the violations are discouraging. Perhaps the most disturbing of all these is the fact that the Deputy Elections Commissioner admits that the 18th Amendment has eroded what little power he had to stem abuse of State property giving clear indications that democracy in Sri Lanka is in grave danger.

The Government has promised new houses if slum dwellers lose their homes, and shops if they are removed, but increasing evidence has shown that these poor people are allocated new homes and shops depending on their political affiliations. Even though this is nothing new in Sri Lanka, the fact that a more considerate political culture has failed to emerge despite economic growth is disheartening. Moreover, lack of good governance also leaves room for poor people to be even more victimised and that is a grave situation. Could this be the election that marks the first step in a turnaround?

In five days two people died in Police custody in Sri Lanka, a statistic that a country cannot be proud of at all. Using the Police to relocate people according to the whims of politicians’ results in their relationship with the people getting damaged. In fact this can clearly be seen in the incidents in Dompe and other areas where disgruntled people have attacked Policemen and Police stations. Since the Police are politicised, they too end up becoming victims. People are afraid to speak against relocations because they fear the Police.

Increased politicisation and politicians of the wrong kind are robbing the people of their political and socioeconomic rights. The right to transparency, good governance and economic freedoms should not be sacrificed at the altar of greedy politics. The fact that the people have a right to decide their representatives and ensure that these appointees answer to them must be emphasised at this point.

The vote must be a shield for the people lost in the ‘development’ process done by the Government and other parties. A tool that can be used for the protection of everyone in this country, a chance for the vulnerable to be empowered. This vote is the chance to reduce corruption, mismanagement and waste. It is a chance that should not be wasted. It is a vote that should be cast on the true merits and ability to do right of the candidate.

Election campaigning ended at midnight on Wednesday but this is the last chance for people to make up their minds. Let this election be new in the fact that public representatives are selected on their ethical behaviour and commitment to do what is right for the people.