The topic of citizen rights in a country is of utmost importance, particularly during an election period. Therefore, I would like to address this through a special program organized by Mr. Rohana Hettiarachchi, especially considering his role as the Executive Director. It is crucial to understand his perspective on citizen rights during this election period. We invited him on Hari Tv stage to discuss these issues further and detailed .
What exactly is an election?
An election is the expression of the people’s will. It is a way for citizens to voice their preferences or objections, to choose representatives who will govern them. In our country, we have four levels of elections: provincial councils, which have now been dissolved, parliamentary elections, and presidential elections. Apart from these, we have referendums where people can directly express their opinion on specific issues. This is the primary tool for citizens to express their views.
When discussing citizen rights during an election period, we must remember that citizens have both rights and responsibilities. While we often talk about rights, responsibilities are rarely discussed. It is not enough to focus on these issues only during election times. I suggest that such programs should be conducted regularly to raise awareness among various groups, so that responsible citizens can emerge in the country. If we can do this, discussions like the one you are initiating may not even be necessary.
What do we expect from an election?
We expect that a specific group will represent us for a defined period based on the people’s preferences. Our population is still large, so elections are a means to select representatives who can manage the country’s resources, produce and enhance resources, and elevate our living standards economically, socially, and politically. These representatives are expected to uphold the rule of law and ensure the country’s prosperity. As individuals, we cannot directly manage these tasks due to the size of our society and the geographical scope, so we elect representatives to do so.
As we approach the election period, which could involve one or two elections, how does the voting process accommodate differently-abled and elderly citizens within Sri Lanka?
Compared to other countries, voter turnout in Sri Lanka is very high, regardless of whether the voters are differently-abled or from marginalized groups. However, there are still challenges for these groups in casting their votes without barriers. For instance, do polling stations have proper access ramps for those with physical disabilities? We traditionally use government buildings, mainly schools, as polling stations. Do these buildings have the necessary facilities? Are there provisions for visually impaired individuals, such as the availability of Braille? Although some efforts are being made, there is still room for improvement.
The Election Commission has been working sensitively on these issues for several years. As an observer organization, we continuously engage with the Election Commission, sharing global experiences and ensuring that the differently-abled community is included in these discussions. The Paffarel organization, together with the Election Commission, has been collaborating with organizations like DOGF to issue identity cards to the differently-abled, which can be used during elections to facilitate the voting process. As of now, around 5,000 such IDs have been issued.
With the current system, if a differently-abled person needs to vote, they must present a medical certificate to the Assistant Commissioner of Elections and go through a special process. However, with the new ID cards, this process can be simplified. Once these cards are issued, the person’s disability will be recognized, and they will no longer need to go through the cumbersome process for every election.
Additionally, the Election Commission has plans to install ramps and provide other facilities for differently-abled voters. They are also focusing on addressing the practical challenges faced by the LGBTQ community, aiming to remove barriers and create an environment of acceptance through awareness programs.
Are we prepared to conduct free, fair, and peaceful elections during this period?
Yes. The freedom and fairness of an election are not just determined on election day or when the results are announced. It’s a complete process that begins with voter registration. Every citizen should have equal opportunity to campaign and participate in the election process. However, the current situation shows some serious violations of this equality. The government is systematically using state power and resources to its advantage, issuing circulars, and utilizing public funds for election campaigns. We have already filed a lawsuit regarding these issues, and it is expected to be heard soon.
Therefore, we cannot entirely trust that these elections will be completely free and fair. However, violence has decreased significantly over the past decade and a half. We hope to continue this trend and ensure that any emerging issues are promptly addressed. It is our collective responsibility to prevent conflicts and ensure a peaceful election process.
October 1, 2024
