Regular elections epitomise a vibrant democracy: President

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday described regular elections as being key to test the people’s opinion, adding that they epitomise a vibrant democracy.

He made this observation in response to a question during the breakfast meeting with Editors on whether the three upcoming PC elections were unnecessary.

“I am for elections because it gives an opportunity to know people’s wishes,” the President said.

He recalled that when President J.R. Jayawardene received a sweeping five-sixths mandate, Rajapaksa was among the vocal SLFP which fought for polls though the party ended up being in the Opposition for 17 years.

“The impact of no elections is evident from the ‘Arab Spring’. If we don’t hold polls, people will criticise us as well,” the President added.

External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris who was also present at the meeting chipped in saying that in an environment where there were no by-elections, the conduct of regular polls in a democracy was healthy.

Focusing on the elections for the Northern Provincial Council, the President assured it would be conducted in September next year. “We need time to properly prepare for the election in north,” he added.

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa said that resettlement of old IDPs among who were Sinhalese and Muslims must be completed as well prior to finalising the electoral register of the north as the PC election there was crucial.

The President also said the Government’s aim was to hold a free and fair election that reflected the true preference of the people in the north in order to empower democracy.

It was also clarified that the Action Plan launched by the LLRC wasn’t solely a result of the Geneva Resolution, but that it was part of the progressive moves by the Government since the end of the conflict in May 2009.

He also said all political parties must be part of the Parliamentary process to find a lasting political solution as it would reflect the aspirations of all.

Addressing the issue of rising crimes against children, the President said the Government would not protect any person who was connected with child abuses and other crimes and would strictly deal with the criminals responsible for heinous crimes.

President Rajapaksa also noted that laws alone would not deter child abuse and sexual harassment of women and each individual in the society should also have an understanding in this regard. He called for the religious leaders and civil society leaders to support the prevention of crimes.