The Aftermath of a recently held Election – 2024. By Noor Rahim
The dust seems to commence its’ settling down process in a Tiny Republic in the Indian Ocean. But as has always been the process the Victor does not appear to go “witch-hunting” as was the practice of the previous regimes.
Tracing back to the Political ParadeCharade since Independence; the concepts were that of a “self-centred” Uncle, Nephew Regime with a policy of squandering the economic wealth of the country, in following a policy of importing “Elephants & Pins” from abroad – thus helping themselves and their cohorts in business; to flourish at the expense of the local populace. Then came a Socialist Group that was hell-bent on local production & self-sufficiency. Soon to be overthrown after successfully subduing an Insurrection in the country but more so due to the capitalists’ class prevalent in the Uncle/Nephew Party of yore which had the unlimited financial sources; making use of the weaknesses of the local populace with grandeur promises – that never bore fruition. This Political Party is also responsible for the changing of the Constitution of the Land; in giving themselves almost dictatorial powers to rule the land; and which now appears to be the “Scourge of the Lanad”. We also had another group calling themselves “The United People’s Party”. This Party reeked of nepotism and the “You Scratch my Back & I’ll Scratch your Back” Members – perhaps some may even be called “Amba Yaluwas” (meaning Mango Friends – in other words I’ll be your friend as long as you share the mango with me); and alas! it is alleged that most of them hadn’t even a good educational background and some may call them “bobble heads” nodding their head at what the Leader wished to do; of nodding into slumber during the “Plenary Sessions” in the State Assembly. This group is alleged to have misappropriated the coffers of the country. All in all, it has led to the country’s deep dive into the chasm of bankruptcy that has led to many difficulties that are being faced by the hard-working populace. All the major parties have always practiced and reeked of “Nepotism”, while in power; and gave meaningful strength to the saying of – “It is who you know; and not what you know”
The above is a short prelude to what transpired in this glorious Paradise Island from the time of Independence from British Rule.
With a brand-new regime that has ousted the “Old Fossils”, the revelation exposes the apparition and “smoking mirrors” of the former regimes. The revelation is now being exposed with authenticity; resulting in a true picture of the Political scenario being revealed to the general public. As is always said – “The truth will prevail, someday” and that day has come into reality.
I know most of you have heard the phrase – “The Phoenix has arisen from the ashes”. For those who are unaware, The Phoenix is a mythological bird in Greek, Egyptian & Persian Mythology. It represents immortality and re-birth. Some even view it as a symbol of life after death; and some believe it as a symbol of eternity.
In summary “A Phoenix rising from the ashes”, is a symbol of hope, giving strength and courage to stand steadfast in the face of any or every adversity they confront; with the ability to rise again after being destroyed by the adversity or opposition.
When you analyze “The Phoenix”, isn’t it right to equate the incumbent and his party to that of a “Phoenix?”.
Tracing back to its’ roots, it is a Party that was founded in the year 1965; with Marxist-Leninist doctrines clearly followed by a group of youth.
Their first trek into Politics was in mooting an Island-wide armed resurrection against the Government in Power in April of 1971. This movement was very premature and was crushed; with the major players being incarcerated. But the movement was kept surreptitiously alive by the surviving members of the Movement.
It was in the year 1893 that the Party, along with two other Political Parties were proscribed. This happened just after the “Tamil Communal” riots that erupted, with the ruling Government remaining dormant with no action taken for 2 or 3 days.
This was very closely followed by the Tamil Separatist War (Eelam War) which was predominantly a clash between the Sinhalese-dominated Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) warring/insurgent group.
This war erupted in 1983 and the very fiercely fought war was finally declared in 2009 as having been a final victory for the ruling Government Party at that time.
It was in the year 1989 that the Founder of the now ruling Party (The Janatha Vimukti Peramuna or JVP) met his demise, under very suspicious circumstances while in the custody of the ruling Government.
The Party carried on regardless; exhibiting its’ resilience and tenacity. Almost in honour of its’ deposed leader; who while in custody wrote a booklet “We may be killed; but our voice will never die”. This we can see clearly has come to fruition.
So! Dear Readers, don’t you think that the “Phoenix has arisen from the ashes?”. We can only pray that the Good Lord above, will give them the strength and knowledge in their governance of the Paradise Island and to get the Nation out of the malady that has affect the Country in leaps & bounds.
But the citizen’s themselves will have to support the new ruler to get the country back on its’ feet. Don’t expect miracles right away. Sacrifices do have to be made for our own as well as the generations to follow. Remember the wise saying of the late U.S President John Kennedy – “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for the country”.
We are now confronted with an Election to fill in the members of the State Assembly. They sure are going to rant & rave with what good they will be bringing for the Nation. Ask them what they have been doing for the years that they have been in power – so what’s new that they would be doing. They sure will bring out all the sweet coated promises as they have always done previously. Don’t get suckered into their promises. Elect wisely and follow your OWN instincts; for remember “God helps those who help themselves”. That being said one can also in the same vein say “The Politicians will only look after themselves”.
It is alleged that “Capitalist” elections would never or necessarily mean free & fair practice. For the Capitalists Class will employ their money power to buy votes; preying on the weaknesses of the voters (or in other terms bribery); or even hiring strong arm tactics to vie for your votes. Keep in mind, always, that the vote you cast is a “secret ballot”. This should ease some of the tension that builds at election time. Finally remember there will be a lot of “dirty linen” being washed to woe you for your votes. Once you get ensnared or are gullible to these vile insinuations, the end might not be the one that you sought. So, think wisely and act wisely; as the Nation is on the brink of Spiritual; Moral; Ethic & Monetary decay.
As one sees it, currently “the Phoenix” has not gone on a “witch-hunt” as was the previous regimes practices; and are now venturing out to recover the plunder by others, in a very judicial way. Furthermore, there appears to be no “nepotism” as seen on the horizon, up to date.
As a Nation let’s pray that “The Phoenix” lives up to the mythological good concepts that is its’ inherent quality. So far, we have seen the “Rise of the Phoenix from the ashes”. Let’s keep this Bird flying aloft and bring the prosperity that we crave for, so much.
God Bless you all.
Noor Rahim
06 October 2024
