Let the law prevail

The Presidential election campaign gets into top gear from today - nominations day. We believe it would be in order for us to remind the Presidential candidates, their parties and supporters of the onerous responsibility which devolves on them to conduct a clean and trouble-free campaign. This is on account of the fact that Sri Lankans cannot boast of being the most law-abiding among peoples - come election time.

A duty is cast on all those sections which consider themselves patriotic to ensure that the image of the country is not further besmirched through the perpetration of polls-related violence and bloodshed. An election campaign marred by violence and bloodshed would be in no one's interest and this truth cannot be emphasized enough.

Besides the precious lives which would be lost and the blood which would be shed in polls-linked violence, a costly consequence of a marred poll would be rising public disillusionment with the democratic process. Such a situation would have grave implications for the future of democracy in Sri Lanka and this cumulative result no right-thinking person would like to countenance.

It is plain to see, therefore, that at this juncture, every Lankan citizen is called upon to do his duty by the State and to keep the peace. Observing the law scrupulously is one sure means of establishing and sustaining a peaceful environment in the country and it is our earnest wish that political leaders, their parties and supporters, would get this massage loud and clear.

It is best that we remember that "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" in a conflict-ridden environment would only sow the seeds of chronic disaffection and violence. It is the ideal recipe for a spiral of violence and bloodshed which would plunge the country into a state of endemic crisis. Need we say that in this situation every Lankan would be a loser?

Let there be no slow-footedness, then, in implementing preventive measures against the emergence of polls-linked bloodshed and violence. As suggested by us on previous occasions, political leaders and organisers should be in a position to rein-in and discipline very firmly, the hot-heads and the violence-prone among their party cadres and supporters.

Ideally, political parties and actors should frame a code of conduct which would ensure disciplined behaviour on the part of party cadres and supporters. Such instruments of discipline and orderly behaviour should be scrupulously implemented to ensure peace and civilized conduct on a sustained basis.

Having achieved this, Presidential hopefuls and their parties should arrive at compacts among themselves to ensure a civilized election campaign and poll. It is best that they remember that good conduct should first be evident at the top to ensure orderly and law-abiding behaviour among the rank and file of political parties and among those of lesser rank.

There cannot be a no-holds-barred, lawless contest to get to the top. This would amount to risking - as pointed out-all that we hold precious. It should be borne in mind by all relevant parties that winning cannot be by hook or by crook. The campaign and the poll should be conducted within the bounds of the civilized norms which define our centuries-long culture.

The police is on record that it would not be tolerating lawlessness from any quarter and this position we greatly appreciate. The law must be enforced impartially and firmly and we hope the police would live up to its pledge. We call on all power-wielders to ensure the independence and effectiveness of law enforcers on account of the crucial role they play in upholding the law of the land.

Any attempt to tamper with the law enforcers would not only lead to a flawed poll but also sow the seeds of lawlessness and criminality. Once again, Lanka would be the loser.

It is best that all relevant quarters remember that this country is a highly polarised and divided polity. Elections tend to aggravate these divisions. Let us all unite to heal Sri Lanka.