Election or No Election?

In the annals of Sri Lankan history, a nation once hailed for its vibrant democracy is now trapped in an unprecedented economic crisis. The soaring prices of essential goods, the pervasive specter of food shortages, and the weight of crippling external debts have cast a shadow over the island nation’s aspirations for prosperity. As discontent simmers and grievances mount, the forthcoming elections of 2024 and 2025 stand as a pivotal moment in Sri Lanka’s quest for democratic renewal.

In the corridors of power, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s decision to postpone the 2022 elections reverberated with the echoes of caution. Addressing the august chambers of parliament, he sounded somber, warning of the perils of holding elections amidst the storm of economic turmoil. His words, laden with the gravity of statesmanship, resonated with a nation teetering on the precipice of uncertainty.

Yet, as the sands of time continued their relentless march, the call for electoral reckoning could no longer be deferred. With measured resolve in November of 2023, Wickremesinghe announced the resumption of Sri Lanka’s democratic journey. The promise of presidential and parliamentary elections breathed new life into the body politic, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the encroaching darkness.

But as the countdown to the electoral fray begins, the specter of authoritarianism looms large, casting a pall over the horizon of democratic aspirations. For nearly a decade and a half, the Rajapaksa family has held sway over the levers of power, weaving a tapestry of dominance that threatens to smother the flames of dissent. From the halls of governance to the by-lanes of civil society, whispers of apprehension mingle with the clamor of defiance as Sri Lankans grapple with the existential question of democratic survival.

In the labyrinthine corridors of power, where Machiavellian intrigue dances hand in hand with the calculus of realpolitik, the fate of nations hangs in the balance. Will the forthcoming elections herald a new dawn of democratic resurgence, ushering in an era of accountability and transparency? Or will they serve as a mere charade, a hollow spectacle designed to perpetuate the veneer of legitimacy while entrenching the grip of the ruling elite?

Sri Lanka faces its most severe economic crisis since gaining independence in 1948. It is marked by steep price hikes, essential goods shortages, and overwhelming external debts, which have triggered widespread protests. In 2022, demonstrators stormed the residence of then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, leading to his resignation and flight from the country.

Subsequently, elections were indefinitely postponed, with Ranil Wickremesinghe, Rajapaksa’s successor, citing the economic crisis as a reason to avoid holding elections. Opposition lawmakers criticized this move, accusing the president of using the crisis to cling to power and undermine democracy.

However, in November, Wickremesinghe announced plans to hold presidential and parliamentary elections in 2024 and 2025. The question arises: will these elections mark a genuine opportunity for change or serve to entrench further authoritarianism, a trend initiated by the Rajapaksa family during their nearly 15 years in power and exacerbated under Wickremesinghe? With five elections scheduled across South Asian countries this year, many may see the return of incumbent parties to power. Whether Sri Lanka will follow this trend remains uncertain.

Wickremesinghe must fulfill his promise of holding elections to maintain his power grip. Initially set for March 9, 2023, local government elections were postponed multiple times due to funding shortages, sparking protests and police crackdowns that resulted in injuries.