Rejection of Elections
While there is endless debate on Local Government and Provincial Council elections among political parties, last week’s announcement from the Election Commission that there is a slowing down of young adults registering to vote must surely jolt political leaders.
Some may already be planning methodologies to take advantage of such a situation. But one of the reasons attributed for this drop – voter apathy with politicians – must hurt politicians who believe they are doing so much for the country.
One is not sure how the Elections CommissionChairman came to the irresistible conclusion that there seems to be a vote of no confidence among youth that political parties are not delivering the goods. Even so, politicians with an ear to the ground might grudgingly concede, it is a fact.
One consolation for Sri Lankan politicians is that this is a world-wide phenomenon. Starting with the rejection of the Congress Party in India, the Brexit vote, the defeat of the Clintons and then the outcome in France there is a trend to be seen. In France, no sooner had they elected a young President his popularity ratings have plummeted. There is dissatisfaction with the Establishment everywhere.
On the other hand, very soon we will see the spectacle of na-be councilors to Municipal and Urban Councils and Pradeshiya Sabhas and Provincial Councils flocking to different party headquarters for interviews to be candidates. What is this contradiction?That is because they know that is where the ‘gravy train’ is –duty free car permits to sell and become millionaires overnight, overseas jaunts, other perks and privileges. While that queue will be a mile long, the queue to register as voters for these elected bodies is receding. Res ipsaloquitor; the facts speak for themselves. wan- No. 08, Hunupitiya Cross Road, Colombo 02. P.O. Box 1136, Colombo editor@sundaytimes.wnl.lk - 2331276 news@sundaytimes.wnl.lk - 2479332, 2328889, 2331276 features@sundaytimes.wnl.lk - 2479312, 2328889,2331276 pictures@sundaytimes.wnl.lk - 2479323, 2479315 sports@sundaytimes.wnl.lk - 2479311 bt@sundaytimes.wnl.lk - 2479319 funtimes@sundaytimes.wnl.lk - 2479337, 2331276 2479540, 2479579, 2479725 2479629, 2477628, 2459725