Only time will tell

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has, on many an occasion, called for a vibrant Opposition that could help further strengthen democracy in the country. As a veteran political leader who believes firmly in democracy and the people’s power, President Rajapaksa has always reposed strong faith in Parliamentary democracy. He has proved his passion by attending Parliament more regularly than any of his predecessors.

He has not only demonstrated his strong belief in the legislature, but also introduced legislation making it mandatory for the Executive President, the Head of State, to attend Parliament at least once in three months. Since the Executive Presidency was introduced under the 1978 Constitution, all Presidents attended Parliament only once a year, that too for a few fleeting minutes for the ceremonial opening of Parliament every year.

Nevertheless, since President Rajapaksa first took over office in 2005, a greater link between the country’s legislature and the executive has been fostered. This has been a key factor in strengthening democracy. Similarly, the President seeks a responsible Opposition that could make constructive criticism for a greater dialogue between the Government and the Opposition in the Parliament.

Regrettably, the internal power struggle in the main Opposition – the United National Party (UNP) has put a spoke in the hammer. UNP Parliamentarians are apparently divided into three groups under its leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, deputy leader Sajith Premadasa and former deputy leader Karu Jayasuriya.

Simultaneously, two other parties in the Opposition – the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP and the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) are at loggerheads when it comes to party matters. The JVP now has spawned a second breakaway group while there are sharp differences of opinion on national issues among TNA Parliamentarians. Although the JVP contested the last General Election under the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) banner, Parliamentarians Tiran Alles and Arjuna Ranatunga seem to be aloof of JVP Parliamentarians.

It was in such a political scenario that former Army Commander and DNA leader, Sarath Fonseka received a special presidential pardon last Monday, despite the fact that more than three years of his full five-and-a-half sentence under two judgements are yet to lapse.

President Rajapaksa demonstrated his political acumen in no uncertain terms by pardoning his former Presidential Election opponent. Undoubtedly, it was done in good faith, in a bid to further strengthen the hands of the Opposition which has failed to fulfill its responsibilities. The President should be hailed for pardoning Fonseka and allowing him to reunite with his family. But one should also bear in mind that the President should not alter certain decisions pertaining to the verdict of the former Commander’s Court Martial.

Certain decisions relating to Fonseka’s military rank and perks had been made by the Court Martial. If such decisions were to be reversed, it would set a bad precedent and moreover undermine the Code of Conduct of the Sri Lanka Army. Maintaining discipline, especially among the Security Forces, is of utmost importance. Hence, Fonseka or his political sympathisers should not attempt by any means to capitalise on the presidential pardon and expect all decisions to be reversed overnight.

There is no gainsaying Fonseka’s capabilities as a military leader. People admired his role as the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army in the 2006-2009 battle against terrorism. However, he would never have led the Army to those great victories, had it not been for such a strong political and military leadership.

The Sri Lanka Army had commanders of the calibre of General Denzil Kobbekaduwa, but their operations had premature deaths as the political leadership during the time succumbed to international pressure. Hence, it was the political leadership of President Rajapaksa coupled with the correct military strategies of Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa that paved the way for Fonseka to shine with the Army he commanded.

It is sad that Fonseka cut a pathetic figure in taking to politics after hanging up his military boots. During the 2010 Presidential Election campaign, he more often than not showed the novice he was in politics. Rather than climbing the political ladder gradually, he jeopardised his political career by targeting the topmost goals and thrusting his military attitude on his election campaigns.

It is strange that almost all Opposition political parties seem to be perturbed over Fonseka’s release. Many Opposition politicians, who shouted themselves hoarse when Fonseka was incarcerated, seem to sing a different melody today. These leaders are scared out of their wits that they may lose their top slots if Fonseka is accommodated. Opposition Parliamentarians, who castigated the Government when Fonseka was jailed after his conviction, are unable to come to terms after his release as they fear their political careers would be at stake. The stark exceptions are Alles and Ranatunga.

Perhaps, the new turn of events would have prompted Fonseka to decide on forming a new political party, for which registration has already been sought from the Elections Commissioner. This proves beyond a shadow of doubt that Fonseka does not have any faith whatsoever in the JVP as it had misled him. Thus, he is on track to abandon the DNA which he had formed with the JVP.

In the event the UNP and JVP leaders had been genuine in their statements when Fonseka was in jail, the time is now opportune for them to demonstrate their sincerity. If UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe is keen on strengthening the Opposition even outside Parliament, he could demonstrate it by his acts. Contrary to expectations, the UNP and the JVP are now trying to achieve their political goals by making Fonseka a scapegoat again.Fonseka has seen the writing on the wall and would be swayed by the Opposition’s fairytales again. His unequivocal decision to form his own party shows that Fonseka has little or no faith in the Opposition political parties.His new party would definitely face an uphill task. At the same time, Fonseka must prove to the masses that he has abandoned his old die-hard qualities and attitude which brought about his downfall. Nevertheless, his presence in the political arena would be welcomed by the Government.

However, it would be no easy task for any political party in the Opposition to wean the masses away from the UPFA Government and President Rajapaksa’s steadfast policies. A certain segment in society may have commiseration for Fonseka, but this does not necessarily mean that they endorse his controversial politics. In any case, it would be indeed interesting to see the new developments in the political firmament in the future and the sincerity of the UNP and JVP leaders to strengthen the Opposition.