Mahinda Rajapaksa’s victory in Sri Lanka’s presidential election has exceeded all expectations, including the most optimistic projections made within the President’s camp on the basis of hard-nosed pre-election opinion polls. The 17.73 percentage point margin of win is a reaffirmation of the maturity and good sense of ordinary voters who, given a choice between an experienced political leader in the saddle and an unpredictable adventurer sponsored by an unnatural combination of political irreconcilables, made it a virtual no-contest at the national level. The divergence in the voting behaviour of the Tamil minority and the Sinhala majority was as striking as it was expected; in turnout as well as choice of candidate, they behaved as polar opposites. This gives us a measure of the trust gap in the polity that needs to be bridged if Sri Lanka is to do well in future. Unfortunately, the election was also unusually bitter, with unsubstantiated allegations, personal attacks, and conspiracy theories flying thick and fast and the challenger, retired General Sarath Fonseka, introducing a paranoid note into the campaigning.
Everybody knew in advance that it was the successful ending of the 26-year-old civil war and the elimination of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam as a politico-military formation that had pre-determined the character of a presidential election brought forward by two years. Everybody also knew that Army Commander Fonseka commanded the respect of his men and had a reputation for professionalism — as long as he stayed a soldier. The problem was that, from time to time, he crossed the lines and betrayed vaingloriousness, chauvinism, foot-in-the-mouth disease symptoms, and hints of political ambition. The last thing Sri Lanka needed at this juncture was yet another South Asian variant of Bonapartism, or any more politicisation of the military that we have witnessed in recent months. Instead of waging a good political and ideological fight, the combined forces of the Opposition – the centre-right United National Party, the ultra-left Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, the minor league Sri Lanka Freedom Party (Mahajana wing), and the pro-LTTE Tamil National Alliance — showed appalling political judgment in lining up behind a candidate whose agenda for change was so vague, so empty-headed, and so self-contradictory that it made no political sense and, in fact, damaged the credibility of his sponsors. It is by no means clear that a serious UNP candidate like Ranil Wickramasinghe would have fared worse than General Fonseka, who is not even a registered voter, in a presidential contest. After this drama, politics in the island can return to a more normal state ahead of parliamentary elections, which are due in April 2010. The hope is that the campaigning will be on real issues, most importantly, a just and sustainable political solution to the Tamil question based on genuine devolution of power within a united Sri Lanka, and revitalisation and development of the war-ravaged areas of the North.
Keywords: Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka, elections, Army Commander Fonseka, LTTE
Very well written article. For some people, it is still hard to believe the verdict of the people and thus trying to create a picture that the results have been 'moderated'. While the idea of moderating nearly 2 millions of valid votes seem to be hypothetical, no straight thinking Sri Lankan would have voted for SF who was backed by the party which lost so many elections and almost sold the country to LTTE.
I agree 100% with the editorial; it states the absolute truth.
The results do not reflect the people's wish. The democracy and franchise have been hijacked. Sooner or later it will reveal the correct winner, if the judiciary has a bit of impartiality. Till such time do not hurry to find fault with the General and MR. General's theme was very well attracted by the majority of sensible people who love peace and were against corruption and nepotism.
A person should not expect a constitutional post if he doesn't know the basic necessities like registering himself with the EC as an eligible voter.
Very concise truth, thus a great article. The election result definitely shows the majority's will. Mr. Rajapaksa's next hurdle is to win the hearts of the Tamils and the Muslims in North-East. He needs to work on a better plan.
Congratulations Mr. Rajapaksa and wish you the strength to rebuild ethical conciliation and thereby a powerful Sri Lankan Nation.
Your editorial precisely states the truth. I wonder if these arguments were presented before the election as well. Never mind as a vast majority thought that way anyway.
The election results in Sri Lanka make it clear that Fonseka is no Grant or Eisenhower. He ended up being the poster boy of all those who had one agenda,oppose President Rajapaksa. The people of Sri Lanka should be happy that the winner has turned out to be the person with experience, plan and vision. And finally the rebuilding of infrastructure after the civil war and more importantly, the rebuilding of the idea of Sri Lanka as a nation which can bring about progress despite diversity and differences of opinion, has to begin.
The Victor is always right and the vanquished is dumped. Nothing new. I am afraid it is not always like that.Being a military commander is certainly not a disqualification. Rather, your article is subjective. Whether General crossed the line or he was forced to cross over; history will reveal. It is incorrect to prejudge. If he was bad he would not have earned the respect of his subordinates. The very act of a general standing for election is not bad? There have been many successful generals who has done well. The bottom line for the nation is will he get the Tamils equal rights and restore their confidence? If he manages to do that then this victory is justified. Only the one with the right values will get that right.
OUR HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS!
MAHINDA RAJAPAKSA'S VICTORY IN SRI LANKA.
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