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A compact to curb violence

A bloody clash between political rivals in Matara in which Minister Mangala Samaraweera's life was reportedly endangered, points to a rising trend in polls-related violence. To the peace-loving sections of the public, nothing could be more disturbing at election time than murderous violence among political activists. Consternation and sadness are bound to spread among the civilian public at this prospect of renewed lawlessness in the run-up to the poll. The situation may also impose fresh problems of governance on the machinery of the State.

Besides the unleashing of savage violence against PA activists, the JVP as well as the UNP have complained of election-related deaths of Party supporters. A couple of days back, a JVP activist was killed in Ampara, while a UNP supporter died in a scuffle in the Gampaha district.

The grave danger in violence of this nature is that it may escalate into a bloody spiral, if ignored. This is a stepping-stone to anarchy and total internal discord. All parties to the polls, then, need to act swiftly to reverse this incipient wave of violence.

This is not only a task for the Government and the law-and-order authorities because lasting peace and stability wouldn't be possible unless and until all actors in the electioneering process arrive at a firm consensus on evading polls-related violence. We very badly need a practicable compact among polls contestants which obliges them to conduct a trouble-free poll. Formal and token assent to such an agreement wouldn't, however, be sufficient. All parties to the agreement should ensure that it is adhered to in both letter and spirit. This will be the most important challenge in keeping the peace in the days ahead. It must, nevertheless, be met if the country is to be saved from the threat of anarchy.

We call on political leaders, then, to act fast to nip the current polls violence in the bud. Given the steep political divisions in the country, a no-holds-barred, keenly and bitterly contested election should only be expected, but we do not see the need for savagery and bloodshed.

Tough electioneering is still possible without brazen violations of the law. We believe it is the political leaders' duty to show their followers the way in these situations.

To begin with, these leaders must exhort their followers against the use of force and should set a personal example in these matters. If the leaders desist from violence, their supporters are bound to do the same. Secondly, all political leaders are required to put their hearts and minds together in evolving a set of ground rules which would ensure a violence-free poll. Needless to say, such a compact must be scrupulously observed by them.

The Inspector-General of Police was quoted sometime back as calling on his men to discharge their duties impartially and courageously. This is sound advice which should be followed. Likewise, the law enforcers should be permitted to carry out their chores unhindered. Failure to ensure these conditions would only boomerang on the country because a State rife with discord wouldn't be in anyone's interest.

• Editorial of  The Observer - Armed politics 6.11.2001:

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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