Amidst criticism that the Government is not supporting the organisation of the Local Government (LG) election and is in fact attempting to postpone the same for as long as possible, Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Bandula Gunawardana recently told the media that the Government does not have any intention of doing so. He further said that it is the Election Commission (EC) that should take the necessary steps to hold a free and fair election.

In addition, Dr. Gunawardana said that the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP)/United National Party (UNP)-led alliance has already commenced the necessary programmes to prepare for the upcoming LG election.

The Government seems to be complacent about the ongoing activities aimed at holding this election. In fact, Dr. Gunawardana’s remarks indicate that the Government is concerned largely about how it is going to face the LG election, and that it expects the EC to take leadership in ensuring that it is held. The Government should understand that it has a much larger role to play in holding elections. When it comes to elections, especially this LG election that has been delayed for an extended period of time, a government has to not only contest the election or enter into various election-related agreements, but also facilitate the election by supporting the authorities tasked with holding the election.

However, thus far, the Government has not shown a considerable level of enthusiasm regarding holding either the LG election or even the general elections that many are demanding. In fact, on a number of occasions, members representing the incumbent Government have stated that they are unwilling to hold elections, given the current state of the country. Their main argument is that the country’s economic situation is in such a state that holding elections at this juncture is not economically advisable.

The country’s economic and social situation may indeed be in a dire state that prevents the holding of elections. However, if this stops the people from exercising their franchise as required and electing representatives that they think are capable of managing the current socioeconomic situation, it poses an entirely different issue that could prove a threat to democracy. In addition, delayed elections could indirectly have an adverse impact on the economic, social, and political spheres, which Sri Lanka does not want at this juncture.

In this context, even though the present economic situation is not entirely conducive to the holding of elections, failing to do so is not an option. More importantly, the Government needs to understand its role in facilitating elections and find the means to make available the necessary financial resources. As some activists have pointed out, the development of a concrete plan to hold elections would highlight that the Government is committed to strengthening democracy, and there are also international parties from which Sri Lanka could expect the required financial assistance to hold elections.

Instead of merely responding to questions and preparing for election campaigns, the Government has to be proactive in holding elections. At the same time, instead of telling the media and the people that the EC will ensure that elections are held on time, the Government must work in collaboration with the EC to follow through on its responsibility in this affair.