Sri Lankans are gearing up to elect a new president on September 21, with the race expected to be fiercely contested and potentially decided by narrow margins. The central theme of the election is the promise of a "system change," a phrase echoed by candidates and parties alike. However, it's essential to consider the political philosophies underpinning each party and candidate.
Here’s an overview of the main parties and their ideologies, (according to my opinion, of course)
1. National People’s Power (NPP):
Populism/ Marxism-Leninism: Majority of their policies are shaped by the left-wing politics pursued by the JVP who sought to establish a socialist state with a focus on workers' rights and social justice. Recently, they are more into populism which has below key characteristics,
- Anti-Elitism - aiming to represent the interests of the general population, often setting "the people" against "the elite."
- Charismatic Leadership - Populist movements often revolve around charismatic leaders who claim to embody the people's will. NPP's Anura Dissanayake plays this role.
- Economic policy- Import substitution, nationalization and wealth redistribution.
While populism can increase political participation and address ignored issues, it can also challenge democratic institutions by undermining checks and balances, potentially leading to authoritarianism (Deja vu?)
2. Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB)
Social Democracy / Good Governance/ Welfarism: They consists with people with multitude of ideologies. Some of them were advocates for economic equality through social welfare programs. They stood for the good governance during the previous campaigns and Emphasizes transparency, anti-corruption measures, and rule of law.
However, under the leadership of Sajith Premadasa, there is a noticeable tilt towards "hand-out" politics. Premadasa consistently highlights the Social Welfare Scheme (Samurdhi), introduced by his father, (quite the nepotism here, eh?) and promises 50,000 jobs for graduates.
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3. Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP):
Nationalism/ Protectionism: Once a formidable party, it is now fragmented into several factions. Among these, the nationalist faction, Sarvajana Balaya, idealizes nationalist and hardline conservative politics. Historically, the SLPP has focused on preserving and promoting national identity and traditional values, while driving economic development through large-scale infrastructure projects. They remain staunch advocates of national security (But they couldn't even secure the presidency for a full term).
4. United National Party (UNP):
Liberalism/ Democracy: Supports free-market policies and individual freedoms. Upholds democratic principles, including free and fair elections (At least, that's what they say in their policy).
Final thoughts,
As a voter heading to the polls, understanding the distinct ideologies of each party can clarify the potential impact of your vote. Ask yourself, "Why should I vote for this party?" If the answer revolves around "system change," consider what tangible changes might result from shifting power, as some parties' ideologies may differ only in name.
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