The “Joint Opposition” (JO) charged that nationalism had taken the forefront in politics in numerous countries across the world. “JO” stalwart, United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) MP Dinesh Gunawardena said that at the end of the day, it was all about democracy and having citizens of the country truly participating in the governing process. Below are excerpts of his interview with The Sunday Morning: Since Independence, Sri Lankan political parties have formed coalitions and alliances to contest elections. Aren’t the major political parties strong enough to contest independently and win? As societies develop, new issues are presented by new sections of society which have demands and various expectations. We have seen official and unofficial coalitions across the world. That is part of modern-day society. Both major political parties continuously pledge support for the minority cause, but come election time, both parties seek out alliances with minority parties to ensure the minority vote. Can major parties survive without minority parties and vice versa? The Sri Lankan voter, right across the country, votes for a new government. Therefore, major political parties canvass votes of minorities, but the current Government has not been able to keep or honour the promises and pledges made to the country. The coalition partners who expected such results should not believe in such temporary promises. That is the current plight. Have victorious political alliances been able to successfully implement their joint policies or would forming alliances adulterate the policies of each individual party in an alliance? Firstly, grand coalitions and alliances are part of today’s political activities across the world. Delivering as well as managing countries and new economies is a challenge that we are not ready for. That is half the failure. Secondly, they are unable to foresee whether they could keep the promises they make. But today’s generation is questioning this, which is very positive. We salute them. Nationalism has taken the forefront in politics, especially in the last decade. Should we fear the formation of political alliances based mainly on racial and ethnic policies? This is a feature that can be seen all over the world. Even in France, some parties are extremist, but the issue is about democracy and how democracy can deliver and get their citizens to participate. If citizens have no role after voting, there erupts a new gap that creates grounds for various organisations and parties to emerge. I do not think national-minded political programmes are rejected in any country. All over the world, it is happening. But it can only be put into implementation when people participate; and not just a few people. In a democracy, that is what is expected. What is your take on the political alliances proposed for the upcoming elections? We have had coalitions at the presidential elections in 1982, ‘88, ‘94, and thereafter, in 2005, 2010, and the last election in 2015. Every presidential election has brought about alliances because, if you want to become the president of a country and obtain the mandate, one has to get a 50-plus percentage of the vote. Secondly, alliances are brought about because of the executive powers the presidency has. However, unlike other presidential elections before, the upcoming election will not have a president with the same executive powers as before. So obliviously, all parties and groups who want certain things implemented and who want stability in the country will seek alliances. (SG)