Abandoning hate politics

Unlike in the immediate post-independence era politics of today has taken on a vituperative flavour that has even rubbed off on the ordinary masses. Today entire villages are divided on political lines even pitting friends and families against one other. The prevailing divisive political culture has also spawned unprecedented violence which comes to a head at election time during the highly charged political atmosphere. These political tensions have also retarded development because it has been customary for any incoming administrations to halt whatever development programs started by their predecessors. The vicious cycle continued at great cost to the nation.

It is in this context that the statement by President Mahinda Rajapaksa that he would leave no room for hate politics in the country should be appreciated. Addressing a group of Kandy Municipal Councillors at the President's House in Kandy he said that people love those politicians who have renounced hate politics and act humanely.

Old timers still recall those halcyon days in the immediate post independence era when party politics was practised in a tranquil and serene climate.

Then political rivalry was only confined to the election period and even platform speeches though not without the usual fire and brimstone were devoid of personal attack and rancour.

Following the hustings the victors and vanquished joined in friendly camaraderie and everything was back to normal. This friendly political culture also had a benign influence on the populace who followed the example of their political leaders. Post election violence was something unheard of at the time.

Sadly the rot set in, in 1977 when for the first time large-scale organized political violence was unleashed on the vanquished. Homes of the supporters of the defeated party were set on fire and even murder committed leading to cracks in the hitherto sedate and tranquil political landscape in the country and signalled the advent of hate politics.

Not to be outdone the political leaders themselves enthroned hate politics by depriving their rivals of their civic rights and harassing them in numerous ways. For the first time in the country Commissions of Inquiry were set up to try and humiliate political opponents purely based on revenge, widening the fissures and promoting further hate among the polity.

This legacy of hate politics is being carried forward to this day exacerbated by more and more divisive instruments such as the PR system that has succeeding even in promoting hate among the members of the same political party.

This hate mongering is best exemplified in the August assembly of Parliament where brawls and fisticuffs have become the norm with legislators stooping to the lowest levels of conduct and behaviour to prevail over their opponents.

At a time the country is in the midst of a healing process and reconciliation it would be ideal if our politicians could set the tempo in defusing hate so it would have a catalytic effect on the general polity. What the country needs today is unity among all segments irrespective ethnic or political differences to take the country forward to realize its development goals. The ideal opportunity has been presented for this with the end to the three decade old war and new independence ushered in the country.

Hopefully the President's sentiments would be paid heed to by all politicians to give up hate politics and work as one to steer the country into a new era. They can by all means differ on policy and argue on their merits and demerits. But these should be done within the norms of decency and accepted conduct. They should not border on hate or personal antagonism. Such a change is bound to rub off on the ordinary masses leading to a violent free political culture in this country.

Hopefully the election reforms that are now being contemplated would come up with a system that would eliminate the contentions and acrimonious electioneering that lends to divisions and hate politics. Parliament should also be converted into a sober place where while the usual parry and thrust of debate continues dignity and decorum would be observed leading to the diffusing of tensions and hate.

Hate politics has taken a heavy toll on the country. The President has in no uncertain terms made it clear he would not condone it any longer. He must ensure his edict is followed down the line.