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Releasing a statement yesterday, the UNP said a working democracy in ethnically, socially and religiously diverse India belied the claim that authoritarianism made for stronger or more developed states.
“The people of India have spoken, and spoken unambiguously. Those of us in India’s neighbourhood are not only mere witnesses of this historic transition, but people inspired by the glory of true democracy in action,” the main opposition party said.
Congratulating the newly elected government of Prime Minister designate Narendra Modi, the UNP assured the Indian Government of its fullest support and wished it all success in its endeavours.
The UNP said elections in India were an example to the region of how a democracy should work, saying the democratic mechanisms to uphold the justness of the final result pointed to the “awesome power of democracy” when it works well.
“There are deep lessons in India›s recently concluded election, in the humility of its victors, the grace of the defeated, and most of all for all those in the region and across the world who seek to thwart democracy and electoral fair play, systematically undermine democratic institutions in their countries, abuse Government resources and oppress the free press,” the opposition party said.
The UNP charged that there was no greater tragedy in a democratic nation than the “erosion of long-standing traditions to protect the peoples› sovereignty and right of franchise.”
“The voice of India at this election is not a mere expression of franchise and their right to elect their leaders it is a loud and clear announcement to the region and the world that democracy is the best form of governance mankind has ever known. That democracy can work in even some of the most socially, ethnically and religiously diverse places on Earth. It belies the claim that authoritarianism is good for development or for stronger states,” the statement said. India and Sri Lanka, the UNP said, were linked as a people forever by civilisation, history and a common destiny. Recent rabble-rousing by the Government of Sri Lanka had strained ties between Colombo and New Delhi, it added. “Sri Lankans look upon India as the land of the Buddha, Emperor Ashoka, Arahat Mahinda and Mahatma Gandhi. Each one of them has inspired our people through millennia and shaped the civilisation of our country,” the statement said.
“This election too is a moment worth reflection of the lessons that can be learned from across the Palk Straits. The lessons are clear for those who wish to see. They are lessons particularly pertinent to Sri Lanka today. The might of the franchise will triumph over the might of politicians, pluralism will triumph over racism, and sooner or later Democracy must always triumph over dictatorship,” the statement concluded.
