Monday, 29 December 2014 00:00
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With a little over a week to go, the presidential race is practically spewing enticing possibilities. The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) on Sunday crossed over to support the common candidate in a move that is seen as detrimental to the previously robust fortunes of incumbent President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem, who was initially viewed by most political analysts as an unwilling participant in the change of colours, admitted to media it was impossible as a political party to ignore the changing sentiments of its constituency. As such the party had decided to follow rather than lead its supporters by joining the expanding camp of common candidate Maithripala Sirisena.
Hakeem also placed the differences between the SLMC and the Government squarely at the foot of bad governance, insisting it would be possible to reconcile with any political make-up as long as it respected the covenants of democracy. It was a key insight to the current battle being faced by the Rajapaksa administration to shore up credibility and maintain its coalition, especially with regard to minorities.
The SLMC could also have been motivated by the defection of former Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen and his party. During his own declaration and the return of his portfolio, Bathiudeen was keen to insist it was a decision taken for the interests of unity. A point which was underscored by the SLMC that has held several rounds of talks without finding accord until Saturday.
Ever the diplomat, Hakeem was careful to thank several top members of the Government, particularly powerful Defence Ministry Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa for conducting several meetings to, as he put it, “address the many concerns of the Muslim community” and expressed hope the engagement would continue in the future.
He was clearly alluding to the terrible incidents in Aluthgama and Beruwala earlier this year and hardline groups linked to it that played possibly the single largest role in provoking the Muslim community to consider political change at the top.
With the Sinhala Buddhist vote base mostly split between the two main candidates analysts are predicting an increasing role for minorities. While the Muslim population covers about 10%, possible support from the Tamil community could well make minorities the kingmakers of Sri Lanka. The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has not made up its mind about either candidate but has made strong hints it favours Sirisena.
Just hours after the latest crossover, the Government returned to its now rather tired ploy of alleging it is part of an “international conspiracy” but the oft heard slogan is now tired currency, at least in the urban areas.
Since no independent poll numbers are available it is now getting harder and harder to accurately call the elections as the days tick down to undoubtedly the most exciting election in a decade.
Predictably, Sirisena’s camp will be taking heart from the crucial momentum just ahead of the vote on 8 January while the Government will be intensifying their campaign to pull fence voters onto their side. Certainly the stakes could not be higher!
