Make Your Vote Count – A Message for the Undecided

Most Sri Lankans are still ‘undecided’ about voting, and many may not even bother to vote. This message is meant to explain to them how their vote can contribute to the #SystemChange we all want.

Since the establishment of the presidency in Sri Lanka in 1978, public enthusiasm for the office has steadily declined, highlighted by large protests such as the ‘Aragalaya,’ calling for its abolition. Even democratically elected presidents, who often claim to represent most of the poorest citizens, have done considerable damage to the economy, living standards, and public welfare by expropriating and redistributing government assets. Over the past two decades, this disillusionment has intensified, with most presidential candidates, including those in the current race, promising to abolish the presidency if elected. However, these promises have historically been little more than empty words. Despite these promises, the political elite, through 22 constitutional amendments, has made the presidency more authoritarian, a center of dictatorial power with immunity from all malfeasance. As a result, parliament has become an instrument for fulfilling the president’s wishes.

Furthermore, the current presidential election process poses inherent challenges for independent candidates. To qualify as an “independent” candidate, one must typically have served or have served in parliament, making the label somewhat misleading. This time, for example, the president, the leader of a political party, is campaigning as an “independent candidate” after securing nominations. This situation underscores the lack of genuine concern for the policies or governance models being promised. As citizens, we have witnessed the numerous interventions by the executive president that have caused irreparable damage to various institutions, including parliament and the judiciary. There is now an urgent need for systemic change, starting with reforming the role of the president.

This task is especially challenging when faced with the prospect of repeatedly electing the same 225+1 members. A review of the leading presidential candidates reveals that many have a disturbing history of exploiting the public and engaging in criminal activity. Furthermore, 1% of the population controls 30% of the nation’s wealth, highlighting how political manipulation and exploitation have fostered wealthy oligarchies. This wealth has not been generated by innovation or high-demand products, but by politically advantaged deals that have allowed these individuals to amass fortunes at the public’s expense.

The rules and regulations that hamper the emergence of truly independent candidates, even those with significant public support, illustrate how the 225 members of parliament – ​​regardless of political affiliation, gender, religion or race – have cemented themselves in power through various constitutional amendments that prevent new faces from entering these prized positions. Whether in government or opposition, the 225+1 enjoy privileges and immunities that shield them from accountability. Moreover, there is no structured regional nomination system that allows party members to select their presidential candidates through local votes. Instead, candidates are chosen through top-down processes that secretly favour ‘dynasties’. This lack of transparency has been particularly evident in the current election cycle, where bait and switch tactics have been used to influence voter decisions.

As a result, we continue to elect from the same pool of 225+1, leading to the same outcomes: one crisis after another. Promises and manifestos have little value given their poor track record, lack of legal binding and the continued suffering of the people. Despite the ongoing default and looming debt crisis, expected to worsen in 2028 due to deferred debt payments and lender-friendly restructuring that will result in repaying almost double the amount originally borrowed, we have effectively mortgaged the future of the next generation. It is striking that there are no female candidates, despite women constituting 52% of the population. It is time to stand up to this political ‘mafia’, who have perfected the art of clinging to power at all costs – costs that are ultimately passed on to the public through higher taxes or increased debt. These leaders continue to promote ‘white elephant’ projects that only benefit their financiers, while imposing a heavy burden on the general population.

As ordinary citizens trying to make ends meet, we need to create opportunities to hold our government accountable and fight corruption. If we continue on the current path, we, the disillusioned and hardworking citizens, will only see the same problems continue until the end. Voting is therefore crucial to making an impact. We have a chance to make a difference. Even if you are frustrated and hesitant to support someone associated with the 225+1, you can change the current trend.

We need to work towards a governance structure that includes truly independent executive, judicial and legislative branches, reimagined by a new constitution. This restructuring is essential to creating a more effective and accountable government, and your vote can help start this journey.

A winning candidate who secures only 10-15% of the total voter base could disrupt the usual general election pattern. This would limit the ability of the president-elect to dominate the general election as usual. If the two leading candidates receive only 10-12% of the vote in the first round, they would have to rely on second and third preference votes from the remaining candidates. Without these additional votes, one candidate could be elected with only 10-12% of the total vote. This scenario could pave the way for a new paradigm in the general election process, potentially allowing more independent and new candidates to emerge.

That’s why it’s wise for undecided voters to back the lesser-known candidates: there are 39 to choose from. By casting your 1st, 2nd and 3rd preference votes for candidates outside the leading campaigners, those with flashy promises and extravagant rallies, you can help steer us away from the model of governance that ordinary citizens have spent the last three decades trying to dismantle.

Go to the polls and cast your 1st, 2nd and 3rd preference votes for one of the non-leading candidates in your region. This will reduce the percentage of votes of the winners and will be a triumph for ordinary citizens. This is our chance to challenge the dictatorial presidency and begin the journey towards a more accountable government. We must seize this opportunity because in five years we may face a situation where our country’s assets can be sold to settle inflated debts. Let us take action now to prevent this and work towards a better future.