Editorial 1:Two States
Introduction
Assembly elections for Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), to be held from September 18 to October 1, will test India’s democratic institutions and, especially, the Election Commission of India (ECI), to the fullest extent.
J&K elections
- The first election since 2019: This will be the first election for J&K since it lost its statehood and Ladakh was carved out as a separate UT without an Assembly in 2019.
- The counting of votes: After a a three-phase poll in J&K and a single-phase one in Haryana, the counting of votes will be on October 4.
- Elections in other states: The ECI has said that elections that are due in Maharashtra and Jharkhand will be announced later. In 2019, Haryana and Maharashtra went to the polls together.
- Elections to be held in batches: Security concerns and festivals have been cited as the reason for holding these elections in batches of two each.
- Elections in other states: Falling within the first year of the 2024 general election, these four Assembly elections, and then the one in Delhi, will be notable for the political signals that will emanate.
Making the best use of Elections
- Democratizing J&K: The election exercise in J&K as a new elected government can be the first step to a durable political process after its reorganisation five years ago.
- Voter Enthusiasm and Violence: The enthusiasm that the electorate showed in the general election and the recurring incidents of violent insurgency are two aspects of the situation in Kashmir.
- Creation of a healthy democracy: Elections could open the possibility of the emergence of new political actors. An election process that is demonstrably fair and transparent is essential for a healthy democracy, and particularly in Kashmir’s case.
- Political Tussle: Ruling and opposition parties running their own agenda’s by picking up issues of discontent, should focus on important issues.
- Social Interest: The Agnipath short service scheme that was introduced by the Centre is a topic of intense interest in a State where many young people look to the military for a career option.
Conclusion
The impact of the Assembly elections will not be limited to the two States/UTs. The general election had loosened the BJP’s grip over the country’s politics and given the Opposition a fresh lease of life. Whether that trend holds or there is a reversal is to be seen. The stakes of the elections are high as estimated by all the political parties. All the more, it becomes crucial for all the parties involved to ensure democracy is favoured and a policy of reform and robust internal security is focussed on.
Editorial 2:Back from the brink
Introduction
Sri Lanka’s ninth presidential election, scheduled for September 21, has attracted a record 39 candidates, signalling a return to “business as usual” despite the severe economic crisis of 2022.
About Sri Lankan Presidential status
- Democratic Functioning: The number of contenders, four more than in 2019, suggests a robust democratic process.
- President Ranil Wickremesinghe: He is traditionally with the United National Party, but running as an independent.
- Socio-economic stability: Ranil aims to garner broad support by highlighting the political and economic stability achieved during his two-year tenure, made possible by backing from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), led by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Issues faced by Sri-Lanka in the past
- The economic fall: In early 2022, Sri Lanka faced the full effect of an economic meltdown, brought on by, among other things, the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings.
- Debt-burden: The central bank announced a debt repayment moratorium amid unsustainable debt and critically low reserves which was worsened by he Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- The Aragalaya movement: Resulted in the ousting of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2022.
- IMF Support and India’s support: Sri Lanka has secured an extended fund facility with the IMF, supported initially by India and now with an “agreement in principle” with India and the Paris Club creditors on a debt treatment plan.
- Inflation bound recovery: During the early recovery phase, people faced price hikes. Recently, prices of electricity, fuel, and cooking gas have decreased, but people are still struggling.
- Source of revenues: Earnings from tourism, a major contributor, amounted to around $328 million in July against $219 million a year ago.
- Populist measures during elections: In a move seen as part of electioneering, the government announced a monthly cost of living allowance of LKR 25,000 for public service employees, effective January 2025.
Political competitors of President Ranil
- Competitors: Mr. Wickremesinghe faces Sajith Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (United People’s Front), Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, and Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son, Namal of the SLPP.
- Agenda against President Ranil: Mr. Dissanayake hopes to capitalise on public frustration with traditional political parties, a sentiment that fuelled the Aragalaya movement.
- Aragalaya Activism: Other candidates include P. Ariyanethran, a “common Tamil candidate”, Sarath Fonseka, former Army Commander, and Nuwan Bopage, a nominee of the Aragalaya activists.
Way Forward
The leading candidates should push for the restoration of provincial councils, which represent a measure of autonomy as envisaged in the 13th Amendment. It is a sad commentary on the Sri Lankan political leadership that the councils have been rendered non-functional for years. Whoever is elected by about 17 million voters as President should revive the provincial councils, which are not Tamil-centric but are intended to infuse an element of agency for the people in the running of their affairs. A functional democracy is the first step to fixing the economy. And a democratic Indian ocean neighbour will help keep the relationship balanced.
