Editorial

Security

Politics

World

Letters

Sports

Obituaries

Archives

Hobson's choice at election

by Lt. Col Susantha Seneviratne, RWPRSP, Psc, Msc (retd)

At the time when the 'statesmanship' of the country has been overcast by dark clouds of 'political demagogy' another decisive moment for Sri Lanka, is forthcoming; The election for the fifth executive presidency - posters, placards, banners, and especially cut-outs that display various 'outstanding' characteristics of the candidates, necessary to claim their individual eligibility for the new leadership, have began to fill the space, 'indiscriminately' in every nook and corner of the cities.

Polythene 'dragon' is, once again sighted; to join the roadside garbage. Rallies and processions have started; resulting in the closure of roads, by adding more 'density' to frequent traffic jams in cities; supporters of rival parties scurrying about in decorating roadsides, and those taking part in rallies and processions are, both seen behaving as 'sole proprietors' of this land, denying the 'right' of others, who are standing passing by the road - the way how some 'self-proclaimed' VIPs, who demonstrate, themselves as 'prime' targets of the LTTE are cruising on the road at break-neck speed, so as to push all other vehicles and pedestrians out of the road.

This is how the heat of forthcoming election has boiled the island nation of Sri Lanka. The manner, in which the conducting of propaganda campaigns by the parties in contest, which is, now in progress signifies a clear message that 'professionalism' in politics, too has disappeared as in the military. The election for presidency will call for citizens to use their 'highest right' to make the 'highest political choice' for the country.

'Propaganda of Political Agony'

If it is so, have those parties in contest, ever thought of ensuring this 'right' of the citizens; in order to make the 'right' choice for the 'right' candidate when planning for propaganda? Unlike the politics of 'good old days', the status of current politics has deteriorated to such an extent that the citizens are, highly perturbed, psychologically, and sometimes physically, also by the way campaigns are conducted; thus denying the 'right' of the 'ordinary' people, which is the 'majority' and the 'winning factor' at any election.

"Adhoc' propaganda organised by the parties, itself is a classic example that none in the contest have a plan of campaign strategy that has been worked out, based on a 'grand political governing strategy', identifying the 'crux' of each problem the country is saddled with, at present.

But, there is one thing evident from all these happening; that all these parties are asking for, just another five-year tenure.

The outcome is such that the parties, in contest would be compelled to campaign for a similar electoral manifesto, containing polices of 'unrealistic' and 'demagogic', so as to please the citizens of all categories, as practised for the elections that were held before.

'Active' involvement by the leaders in the 'chain of command' of the parties, in propaganda where they would be committed to effective canvassing; by way of discussions, meetings etc at grassroots level as that of the politics of bygone era is, gradually dying away from the politics in Sri Lanka.

Instead of political dialogue, the politicians have, now discovered a 'shortcut' to victory; a kind of warfare using posters, banners and cutouts and conducting rallies of 'show of force', and some of which are, of 'tit for tat' types; by bringing people from every nook and corner of the island on hire basis, with a packet of meal, and a quaff of intoxicants where necessary.

Using thuggery, employing alcoholic and drug addicts and all kinds of riff-raffs is a 'special' characteristic of today's politics, and without which, it seems the politics cannot withstand or survive in the country; this is the actual political phenomena, the citizens of Sri Lanka are experiencing, today.

Democracy & Discipline

The Sri Lankan politics quite often misuses the 'sublime status', embodied in this unique terms of 'democracy' used in the political jargon. The 'democracy', always seems to be mixed-up with the term of 'freedom', which does not have any limit.

Any expression or an action, not adhering to an 'acceptable' code of ethics cannot be treated as 'democracy' in the field of politics. What emanates from such an expression or an action is clear 'indiscipline'; and neither 'democracy' nor 'freedom'. Hence; the politicians must be, fully conscious about this basic code of political ethics, partinent to 'statesmanship'; the 'democracy' must be used or enjoyed within the framework of 'discipline'.

Interaction & Protection

Today, the 'dialogue' between the politicians and ordinary citizens (not referred to party members or supporters) is, gradually widening, due to obvious reasons. As a result, accurate first-hand information of any situation does not reach the politician on time.

A politician, once becomes a VIP, the said gap begins to widen, further to such a degree that he would be left out in the dark by his staff and the security, who would make all efforts to keep him out of the reach of 'ordinary' citizens.

Although the security is much worried about the VIP's interaction with the citizens, in view of his protection, the VIP, himself must understand that he must 'bridge' this gap, through dialogue than cruising, under the cover of high-powered, protected limousines with armed escorts, at 'state cost', causing enormous inconvenience to the public.

This does not mean that such VIP politicians should interact with citizens at risk, without concerning their protection; but both the 'protection' and 'interaction' must be arranged in a professional manner to play their role of 'statesmanship'.

Politics & Religion

Invoking religious blessing and conducting religious observances are, purely meant for one's 'spiritual development', and not for 'material' possessions or 'worldly' pleasures'; Although many seem, to have not understood this basic tenet of all religions, due to misconception, they, fully understand the fact that these religious activities are, solely of one's personal.

The politicians, therefore must not resort to exploit religious means, in order to gain 'cheap' political advantages, by arousing emotions and sympathy of the citizens, particularly those, with extreme religious faith. These practices adopted by some of the politicians, in fact have been, so instrumental in making 'further' division within the same religious denomination, on 'political basis' as well.

In reality, the religion must be made, fully used of, in the advisory capacity to whichever government in power. But; however, the advice must be sought and given where it is necessary, only. In 'social' politics, the plans must be worked out to maintain 'discipline' of the society by extensive use of all religions; and not by, just designating ministries to each religion as done at present, as this has, already created an 'unhealthy' atmosphere, where each religion seems to have, discretely engaged in a 'tacit competition' to surpass one another.

Another political gimmick of the current politics is the way politicians 'play to gallery', with a view to winning favour of the public by 'cheap popularity' at the expense of dignity of the statesmanship. In the military, this kind of attitude of an officer is not acceptable; and is regarded as an unbecoming 'an officer and a gentleman'.

Demagoguery

Politics being such a 'noble' affair that helps to foster in man, ethics and customs, which ensure the true 'decorum' of political 'statesmanship' should not be violated, using 'demagoguery' unless, it is compelled to do so, under extreme and unavoidable circumstances, keeping in view the benefit/interest of the masses or long term strategic advantages; similar to the way how the government should deal with the LTTE in the future.

The status of politics is, so frustrating; a majority of peace loving and, especially the 'disciplined' citizens in the country regard the current politics of Sri Lanka as a 'menace'. Inefficiency of the government machinery by widespread corruptions, maladministration etc., may be attributed to this kind of politics and the absence of statesmanship, at present.

Decisive President

The fifth executive president would be the most decisive president, under which the future of Sri Lanka is going to be decided, considering the complexity of the separatist conflict.

As far as the politics is concerned, this should be given 'top priority', though it is convenient to include in the manifesto that continuing peace talks and cease fire to end at a federal state, as spelt out by most of the politicians, it must be based on an 'strategic appreciation', in terms of the future 'threat perception.' However, to be effective in this process, 'leadership' meeting at a given venue in the north is an essential pre-requisite; by now, the parties, in contest should have worked out a 'political strategy', with options of all feasibilities.

The economy needs a steady growth; it must get rid of the fluctuation and stagnation, under a stable security environment, which needs to be guaranteed by the said leadership meeting, calling for attention, locally and internationally.

This must be the 'panacea' for most of issues. Unstable economy must be viewed, innovatively and should be underpinned by a sound development plan, designed to create and improve infrastructure.

Though the executive presidency is reckoned by some political parties as a 'monster' for mere advantages of the politicians, themselves, is not a 'menace', which Sri Lanka must to get rid of - it is the 'political culture' of today, which has denied the 'right' of the citizens to choose the 'right' person, by creating an atmosphere of 'no option' or 'no choice'; and thus leaving the citizens in a situation of Hobson's choice.

Hence; what is important is; the person, who holds the executive powers. If he is good; there will be a good government. If he is bad; there will be a bad government.

What we need, now is a leader, who should be a 'good commander', 'good administrator' and 'good manager'; to make sweeping changes in the country by reforms in judiciary, politics, military, economy, development, education and health; the key areas to be concentrated on, for a better Sri Lanka. Justice by law, blessing by religion (not mandatory), guidance by political strategy and good governance by professional political 'statesmanship' are the key to success.

www.ceylincoproperties.com

| News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security |
| Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries | Junior Observer |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager