Sri Lanka’s Pivotal Parliamentary Election: A Shift toward Change?

• 5opn1
• November 14, 2024
• Political
• Parliamentary Election
• 0 Comments

Behind the News

Sri Lanka’s parliamentary elections are being held today, with voter participation noticeably lower than in the presidential elections of September 21. While some interpret this as voter apathy, it is uncertain whether this will be confirmed until final vote counts are announced.

The stakes are high for all political parties in this election. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the National People’s Power (NPP), is campaigning for a Parliament exclusively filled with NPP members.

Former Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa is seeking to establish a mandate for controlling the legislature, while other political parties aim to form a strong opposition. The outcome of these contests will shape Sri Lanka’s political future.

President Dissanayake and the NPP, which is led by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), have pledged to “cleanse” Parliament, despite the fact that the JVP has been a part of the system it now criticizes.

Historically, Sri Lanka’s politics has suffered from the problems of majoritarian rule, which often leads to corruption, abuse of power, economic mismanagement, and the suppression of dissent.

On the other hand, a hung parliament, where no single party has a majority, can result in instability and ineffective governance, as political parties are often unwilling to prioritize the public’s needs over their own interests.

The NPP, a coalition of various groups including the JVP, is in a unique position following its presidential election win last month. Unlike traditional parties, the NPP campaigned on a platform of integrity and anti-corruption, attracting support through grassroots mobilization over the past two years.

This movement emerged in the wake of the 2022 Aragalaya protests, which called for a comprehensive overhaul of Sri Lanka’s political and economic systems.

However, the resignation of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the appointment of Ranil Wickremesinghe as interim president temporarily sidelined the Aragalaya movement’s goals. Instead of a systemic change, Wickremesinghe’s government reinforced the existing political structure with the backing of security forces.

Despite these setbacks, the NPP has built a broad-based support network across the country. The rising cost of living, a deteriorating education and healthcare system, accusations of government corruption, and widespread economic mismanagement have all fueled public discontent, allowing the NPP to present itself as a viable alternative.

The NPP now aims to secure a parliamentary majority, positioning itself to influence Sri Lanka’s political landscape significantly.

However, it remains uncertain whether the NPP can secure an overwhelming majority. While their leaders are confident of victory, a simple majority in Parliament would allow the NPP to pass legislation with ease. However, to amend the Constitution or introduce a new one, the NPP would need a two-thirds majority.

Given the public momentum behind the NPP, this goal is not entirely out of reach. A two-thirds majority would allow the party to implement significant changes, but it also raises concerns about the concentration of power in the hands of the executive. Critics argue that giving the ruling party a supermajority could lead to a “democratic dictatorship,” undermining the checks and balances essential for a healthy democracy.

If the NPP only achieves a simple majority, it would still be able to govern effectively but would need to seek the support of smaller parties or the main opposition party, the Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB), for legislation requiring a two-thirds majority.

The SJB has indicated that it is open to such cooperation, though it is unlikely to form an official alliance with the NPP. Cooperation on specific legislative matters could, however, benefit the country by fostering collaboration across party lines.

The SJB also harbors ambitions of forming a government, depending on its seat count. If the SJB secures more than 100 seats, it could enter into alliances with other parties, excluding the NPP, to form a coalition government.

Regardless of the outcome, this election will mark a turning point in Sri Lanka’s political trajectory. The election brings a generational shift in leadership, with younger politicians set to take the reins of governance. This shift is seen as overdue, with the new generation eager to address the country’s systemic issues and bring about meaningful change.

One of the most pressing challenges for the next government will be addressing Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic crisis. Plans are in place to boost sectors such as tourism, IT, agriculture, and manufacturing.

Economic experts are advising the government on how best to move forward. Additionally, institutional reform and building a united vision among the people are critical for ensuring long-term stability and progress.

Ultimately, Sri Lankans, both at home and abroad, will hope for a smooth and effective system change that leads to a more prosperous future, without undue hardship for the citizens.