Thursday, 8 January 2015 00:00
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ELECTION victories are made by voters. Therefore it is incredibly important, especially in a race as close as the one facing Sri Lanka, that every single person who can exercise their franchise do so.
After weeks of hectic campaigning, crossovers and other election drama, the time has come to make a decision. It could well be the single most important decision Sri Lankans have made in many decades and it must be made. It is true that Sri Lanka’s politicians and political environment is far from ideal. But this situation can only be changed with the use of a vote. The choice might be seen by some as a hard one to make but a decision must be made for it is only then that there can be any room or hope for change. Tough decisions are part and parcel of reality.
Spoiling a vote is saying that one is choosing not to be part of the democratic process. This is also a cop out of sorts because then the importance of citizen participation is undermined. Elections exist for people to vote and it is important to do so because politics, directly or otherwise, impact every facet of every life. Having chosen not to make a decision, one cannot then blame the Government for its actions for voters themselves have chosen not to make it accountable.
After 10 years in power President Mahinda Rajapaksa is asking the people to elect him to an unprecedented third term in power. He has made a historic and some would argue unconstitutional decision by calling for an election two years before his second term ends. This vote will also function as a test of accountability, to assess and change, according to the needs of the country. It is to decide the future of 20.4 million people. What greater responsibility is there?
First time voters in particular will play a huge role in this election. They are a generation that is new to peace and to the power they can have over those that make decisions on their behalf. Young people are also better informed as they have access to technology and, technically at least, open to broader views on corruption and the importance of good governance. Most importantly there are voting for their future, for a chance to have an inclusive and sustainable future.
Undoubtedly there are many crucial aspects of this election. The debate between stability and democracy rages on. Minorities and majority ideologies are being discussed and new sensitivities are being created along racial lines. Such are the levels to which politicians will stoop to because they understand the value of a vote. It would indeed be a pity if the voters do not see it too.
As the final hours count down to who leads Sri Lanka into a new decade, there are fears of voter intimidation, feeding of misinformation and violence that could tamper with this all important right of a free citizen. With so many challenges before the cornered democracy of Sri Lanka, there has never been a better or more crucial time to make a choice. So take a stand. Go and vote!
