We usually (and sadly) dont care much about our neighbours. But this is a noteworthy development. Despite all its failings and limitations, India still remains a beacon of democracy of the South, and South Asia. And probably it is the single most outstanding success story in the world (for democracy here began in a deeply poor, deeply culturally fragmented, and largely uneducated mileu, in a populace that was so used to being subservient). Ditto for multi-culturalism and plurality. For 65 years we have seen governments getting arrogant, at times tyrannical, some times excessive in their zeal and commitment to a cause not all Indians believed in. And every so often we have found a surprise at the hustings where seemingly confident leaders were eventually shown the door. And in each case the transition has always happened peacefully and largely uneventfully. The sad fact however is that democracy is far more imperfect in the surroundings of India, often just being a term being given lip service. This one is a good surprise nevertheless. And there is hope that Sri Lanka will start stepping back from its movement away from democracy. To quote from this article, His main election pledges include a pledge to rollback the eighteenth amendment to the Sri Lankan constitution implemented by Rajapaksa that removed the two-term limit to the office of the President. The amendment also proposed the appointment of a parliamentary council that decides the appointment of independent posts like commissioners of election, human rights, and Supreme Court judges -- a move which would have in effect allowed Rajapaksa to dictate these appointments. Sirisena also said he would abolish Sri Lankas controversial executive presidency and bring back the position of prime minister - which was abolished by Rajapaksa - and reinstate opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister.. As another article hindustantimes/world-news/a-leader-falls-why-sri-lanka-ousted-mahinda-rajapaksa/article1-1304894.aspx states, The results show that Sri Lanka would not like to continue on its path of a centralised rule, belligerent majoritarian nationalism and monoculturalism but accept a degree of multiculturalism, recognition of minorities and allow entities other than Colombos presidential palace to have a say in state affairs. Sri Lankans did not want their country to continue being an international outlier, drawing flak from the West and human rights community for not addressing the issue of justice or rights and at least attempt to re-engage with universal democratic values. The people have spoken - and what a verdict they have thrown up. After almost a decade of absolute rule, with a firm militarist orientation, Rajapaksa has been ousted. A welcome development indeed. And a +1 for democracy and plurality.
Posted on: Fri, 09 Jan 2015 06:56:52 +0000
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