‘Voting’ – a spiritual-political act, Choose not the corrupts -NCCSL
The National Christian Council of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) welcomes the recent decision of the Supreme Court that reiterated the need for the presidential elections to be held later this year in keeping with the constitution. And urges every Sri Lankan voter to reject tainted candidates as the island nation’s poll panel said it would announce the schedule for the presidential election within the next two weeks. “Electing the right candidates and using the power of the vote correctly”, voters should exercise with enthusiasm is essential”, says the NCCSL.
The NCCSL urges the citizens of Sri Lanka to use their sovereignty, which includes basic rights and voting, carefully and responsibly. And encourages voters to refuse candidates “accused of serious corruption, racism, and terrible crimes,” emphasizing that “the political realm is mainly responsible for the current economic crisis.”
The NCC emphasizes that political factors are at the core of the ongoing economic crisis affecting all aspects of society.
“The economic mismanagement that has plagued the country in recent years, the corrosive corruption, and the expenditure on vanity projects that lacked any economic justification, were possible because there were inadequate checks and balances on those who exercised political power, ineffective scrutiny of the executive and the cooption of the legislature, so that there were no effective accountability mechanisms as well.” the statement said.
The NCC reiterates its call for the abolition of the powerful executive presidency, as the concentration of massive powers in one individual, irrespective of the person and political party she/he may represent, undermines constitutionalism and democratic norms.
“The over-mighty presidential system also nullifies other democratic institutions. We note that in the past most presidential candidates in successive elections have promised to abolish the executive presidency during their election campaigns but conveniently ignored this once elected to office.
The NCC wishes to call on all presidential candidates too, “commit to support the abolition of the executive presidency within a specified period and implement it without fail.”
The NCCSL mentions the legitimate grievances of the Tamil community in the North and East that led to war and massive polarization among ethnic groups in the country, and says that they believe that the ethnic conflict can only be resolved through a political solution that will address its root causes, which includes the political grievances of Tamils in the North and East and discrimination suffered by them.
And also mentions that It is important also to address the genuine aspirations of the Malayaha Makkal in the Plantation areas, for decades a community that has been deprived of dignity and other human rights. Victims of enforced disappearances, justice to political prisoners, acknowledgment and accountability for killings, sexual crimes and other serious wartime atrocities. It must also include addressing ongoing violations, including the continuing occupation of lands by the military and various government agencies, obstructions, restrictions and intimidation in remembering the war dead, and the suppression of dissent.
Therefore, the NCC calls upon all candidates to clearly state their policies to address all these depth issues and permanently resolve the long-festering ethnic conflict, which now remains unresolved even 15 years after the end of the war.
The NCCSL calls upon all Sri Lankans to exercise their franchise with responsibility, paying due attention to positions and plans presented by the candidates and parties they represent.
“Voters should also examine the history and conduct of the candidates, and reject candidates with credible allegations of being implicated in serious crimes, human rights violations, corruption, racism, suppression of dissent etc.” the NCCSL said.
The NCCSL believes voting is also a spiritual-political act, which is an opportunity for voters to express compassion and solidarity with all marginalized and vulnerable groups in order to ensure a better country for all and ensure the prosperity and welfare of our motherland.
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