Imagine this:
It’s election season in Sri Lanka. Mr. Wijesinghe, an enthusiastic voter, gathers his family for a “serious discussion” on who to vote for in the upcoming presidential election. His wife, Mrs. Wijesinghe, says, “I will vote for the party that gave us that lovely rice packet during the last rally.” Their teenage son, Kasun, exclaims, “Amma, you’re voting for rice? I’m voting for Mr. Big Voice – he sounds like a lion when he speaks!” Their daughter, Nadi, declares, “Well, I like the candidate who smiled at me during his speech on TV. He looks so kind.”
Amidst this chaos, Mr. Wijesinghe sighs, realizing how easily voters, even in his own home, can be swayed by charisma, food packets, or a strong voice. But elections are about much more than that, right?
Now we visit Mr. Mohamed’s home in Digana. He gathers his family for a “serious discussion” on who to vote for in the upcoming presidential election. His wife, Mrs. Mohamed, says, I don’t want to vote. After our shop was burnt in the riots, I have no faith. I will not vote. Their teenage son, Mustapha exclaims, “Umma, you must make a choice. You must find a candidate who recognizes our contribution and stands for inclusion.”
Next, we visit the home of Mrs. Chelliah in Jaffna. She is having a “serious discussion” with her neighbors. Her neighbour Mrs. Thambithurai says, “I will not vote. These politicians come one month before elections and talk very nicely but then they do nothing for us.” Her daughter Rukmini says, “We must vote. The outcome will affect us in any way. I will look for a candidate who will make life better for me both as a Tamil and as a woman. I am reading their manifestos and listening to their speeches. – what will they be doing about education and health? Will they create jobs for us or ask us to work overseas?”
From Fiction to Reality: What Should Voters Consider?
The Wijesinghe, family situations might sound light-hearted, and the Mohamed and the Chelliah family situations pessimistic, they mirror common voting patterns in Sri Lanka. Many voters are often swayed by personal loyalties, false promises, charisma, or the mere presence of strength and masculinity. Others by their histories of disappointment, However, elections require a deeper understanding of the stakes involved. Here are some serious considerations for voters in the upcoming presidential election:
- The Substance Behind Charisma: Sri Lankan politics often sees candidates who are charismatic and capable of drawing crowds with fiery speeches. But is that enough? Charisma without substance can lead to empty promises. Voters should dig deeper—does the candidate have a track record of delivering on promises or just entertaining the masses with rhetoric?
- False Promises: It’s easy to be wooed by promises of rapid development, economic miracles, and peace. Remember, a president has real power, but change takes time, planning, and consistent effort. Have similar promises been made before? If so, were they fulfilled? Ask whether the promises align with the reality of the country’s current situation.
- Family Allegiance to a Party: In Sri Lanka, many families have a long-standing allegiance to political parties. This loyalty can be powerful but sometimes blinding. It’s important to reflect on whether the party still represents the values you believe in or if it’s time for a fresh perspective. What worked a generation ago may not work now.
- The Candidate’s Competence: Talking well and looking strong are traits often admired by leaders, especially in the South Asian context. However, voters must ask: does the candidate have the competence to tackle pressing issues? Managing a country, especially one as complex as Sri Lanka, requires economic knowledge, diplomacy, and a real understanding of people’s needs—not just bravado.
- Ability to Unite Rather Than Divide: In a country with diverse ethnic and religious communities, the ability to bring people together is crucial. Has the candidate demonstrated efforts to promote unity? Does their rhetoric encourage inclusivity or stoke division?
- Realistic Policies: Often, candidates will make grand promises to cut taxes, raise salaries, and build infrastructure overnight. But how feasible are these policies? When considering a candidate, look at their proposed plans with a critical eye. Do they provide a clear roadmap for implementation, or are they just saying what they think voters want to hear?
- Handling Crises: In times of crisis, whether economic or political, the president’s response can either stabilize the nation or plunge it into further chaos. Review how candidates have handled past crises if they’ve had the opportunity. A calm, pragmatic leader is far more effective than one who makes decisions on impulse.
- The cost of staying away – being disengaged. Passive resistance and staying away from voting is a choice and as such has implications
In Conclusion: Cast Your Vote Wisely
The upcoming presidential election is not just about selecting a charismatic leader sticking to party traditions or making a statement to express your frustration with the system and the people. It’s about choosing someone capable of leading the country through challenges, uniting its people, and providing practical, effective solutions. So, while the Wijesinghe family may joke about rice packets and big voices, and the Mohameds and Chelliahs may express despair over the past, they, like all voters, must ultimately focus on what matters most: the future of Sri Lanka.
Make your decision with wisdom, not sentiment.
