Sri Lanka: has a dynasty born?
The Sri Lankan poll on April 8 has shaped President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the sole and undisputed power centre of the country, with his alliance getting clear majority in the parliamentary elections.
The result was short of expectation that Rajapaksha would win at least 2/3 seats to execute his whims for constitutional changes, consequently emerging himself yet another ruling dynasty in the country. Yet, president has captured most powers so far, beyond what he might have expected while working as prime minister.
He had overwhelmingly won the presidential elections in January, crushing his rival former army chief Fonseka, whom Rajapaksha refused to extend term of office despite being the powerful strategist in ending 25-year old civil war. Following the death of LTTE chief Prabhakaran, the power tussle evolved and resulted into bitter rivalry between two leaders who had once hand in globe to end civil war.
Voters, mostly the Sinhalese Buddhist community, rewarded the Rajapaksha for ending the war with ethnic Tamil rebels last May and for his folksy style, which is designed to appeal to rural dwellers rather than the urbanized elite of the capital Colombo.
However, suspicions are already on floor that Rajapaksha might lure the smaller parties in opposition for constitutional changes to cut two-term presidency limit. That will keep him in hold for unlimited years, turning the island nation being ruled by a dynasty, yet another autocracy.
Two of his brothers stood in the election as well as a niece and his eldest son. Another brother is defense secretary.
Though there wasn’t any hindrance to elections by the armed groups like in the past, reports say a large section of the Tamil population has been restricted from using their franchise. The opposition party might use this as a good instrument to win the favor of the Tamil population. However, presence of Fonseka, who was directly involved in war against Tamils, might form eclipse for opposition winning Tamil votes. Either way, the 12 percent Hindu Tamils are likely to be silenced, sidelined. Future acts of Fonseka, who is currently under court trial, would certainly determine fate of Rajapaksha and Tamil votes.
Rajapaksha is already facing pressure from western countries on human rights violations. EU denied renewing GPS+ contract to support Tsunami victims of 2005. Though Rajapaksha and his ministers remain defensive on the issue, continued resistance might turn international favor to opposition parties.
The victory of Rajapaksha would be fortune for restoring political stability in the country while it might be unfortunate if he starts seeking a dynastic rule.