A referendum on Nov. 16

The theatrics across both sides of the ‘big pond’ (the Atlantic Ocean) must be eagerly watched by students of politics around the world. It has some direct relevance to the on-off debate in Sri Lanka on whether to continue with the Executive Presidency. Both, the Executive Presidency in the United States and the Parliamentary system in the UK are under fire, what with the US President facing impeachment for violating his oath and the UK Prime Minister being found to have misled the Queen in proroguing Parliament.

The two cases are classic examples that not only do both systems have deficiencies, but that an Executive President or a Prime Minister can both be equally dictatorial. It is just how effective are the checks and balances to rein them in.

There are other models currently being practised in the world. In the Chinese one-party system where the Communist Party (which is anything but Communist) controls the country, and the people have no vote to choose the top leaders. They can only vote the lower-level leaders who will then select the top leaders. But the country at least outwardly, is stable, and economically thriving. The Russians are more democratic but with flawed elections, and where dissent is squashed with a heavy hand.

So, where does Sri Lanka stand? A country that has got accustomed to elections since 1931 and frequently changing its leaders, it is grappling with systems of government. The old saying; “for forms of government let fools contest; that which is best administered, is best” rings true.

Forty years of the Executive Presidency has shown the fallibility of those who sat on that chair; and the faceless persons behind that throne accountable to no one has failed the country. A referendum of the people will be one way to test the pulse of the people -- and what better time to do so than on November 16.