Abolishing Executive Presidency; history repeats itself

Over the last three decades in Sri Lanka, at almost every presidential election, the voters have been entertained by the pledge to abolish Executive Presidency by the prominent candidates in the fray only to go back on the promise once gaining power. Judging by the recent statements and insinuations of the prominent NPP political leaders, it appears that voters experienced the same scenario again exactly a year ago by a political force who vociferously pledged to the electorate that they were different from the rest.

Last month, Cabinet Spokesperson and Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa at a Cabinet press briefing stated the Government was not prepared to move on abolishing the Executive Presidency at this particular stage as the administration has to focus on reviving the economy and laying the groundwork for equitable growth. Meanwhile, NPP National List MP Dr. Najith Indika had remarked that in the future all executive presidents in Sri Lanka would be elected from the NPP. 

The most memorable promise to do away with Executive Presidency was made by Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga at the 1994 Presidential Election. NPP Hambantota District MP Nihal Galappaththi, who was a candidate at that poll, abandoned his bid in the middle of the race and urged his supporters to back Chandrika after the first female president of the island had given him a written undertaking to bring an end to the presidential system prior to 15 July 1995. The same guarantee was made by Mahinda Rajapaksa at the 2005 Presidential Election, but instead of eliminating, he made the coveted post further dominant via the 18th Amendment, which enabled the master politician to gain full control over the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary. 

The approach of the JVP/NPP, like every other political party, towards Executive Presidency has been driven by political opportunism. None of them would have anticipated a JVP/NPP member to ever attain the powerful position. Despite having stood against the presidency, there were instances when the former Marxists gained benefits from the unprecedented presidential powers. In 2004, the JVP, which was then led by Somawansa Amarasinghe, urged President Chandrika to make use of her powers to dissolve the Wickremesinghe-led UNP administration as it suited its political power agenda at that time.

The preference or opposition towards presidency by a political party depends on whether they are in Government or Opposition. When in power, no political party would advocate for its abolition. On the other hand, while in Opposition, the same individuals perceive Executive Presidency as the biggest bane which affects the progress of the country.

With prominent underworld criminal leaders getting arrested and various Opposition politicians getting jailed, masses could view the NPP Government in positive light. The administration is also doing its utmost to gain foothold into the votes of minorities who have been historically averse to the JVP. The Opposition seems to be in disarray with no unity and cohesion. Ideologues in the NPP may be under the impression that they would not encounter any meaningful political threat to their dominance from the Opposition in the foreseeable future.

The abolition of Executive Presidency has always been used as a platform by politicians in the Opposition to capture power by appealing to NGOs and liberal-minded voters who have long argued for return to the parliamentary-based system like in India and the UK. 

Instead of politically motivated agendas, a thorough and objective discussion needs to take place among the society and intelligentsia as to whether the almost five-decade-old system needs a complete overhaul or just minor adjustments.