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Ensuring peace

The people have given their verdict. The results are still pouring in. A quiet uneasiness hangs in the air till the final count is known.

What is most important is to respect the verdict of the people. Obviously, it may not please every one. Yet it is the people's verdict.

People are supreme. Hence, the need to respect the people's verdict.

The campaign was marked by acrimony, vituperation and confrontation. At times and in certain places it took a violent and bloody turn too.

Now, it is the time to leave aside acrimony, vituperation, and hatred. The victors should not harass, intimidate, attack or cause harm to the vanquished. Nor should the vanquished attack the victors. Both victory and defeat have to be taken with equanimity.

A special responsibility falls upon leaders of political parties and the law enforcement officers to preserve peace. Party leaders should control their over-enthusiastic and belligerent supporters from harming their political rivals or taking the law into their hands. The example set by the PA, after its victory in the General Elections of 1994 and 2000, should be emulated by all.

Law enforcement officers should act without fear or favour, as the President has instructed them to do, in her Poll's Eve message.

The most imperative need at the moment is to maintain law and order, and tranquillity. Law enforcement officers have to be given the utmost assistance by the public.

At this moment, world attention is drawn to Sri Lanka. We must maintain the good name of the country by showing to the world that we are a nation that respects democracy and its traditions, a nation that upholds humane principles.

As ours is a land blessed by all the major religions of the world, religious leaders too could assist in the maintenance of peace and tranquillity in these most politically tense days.

Now the polling is over, the next step is the formation of the new government.

Naturally, this would require inter-party as well as intra-party dialogue and communication with the Head of State.

It is a Constitutional process. This process must be allowed to take its due course.

The constraints of the 1978 Constitution with its system of proportional representation might give rise to the necessity of a multi-party dispensation to command the majority in Parliament. Consequently, the period up to the formation of the government could be lengthier.

The most important requirement at this stage will be to maintain peace and tranquillity in the country.

• Editorial of  The Observer - 5.12.2001: A vote for consensus
  

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