LNP – Dynastic politics no longer rules the roost in SL
By Huzefa Aliasger
Dynastic politics which once dominated Sri Lankan politics as in other South Asian countries, is no longer a factor for voters in the exercise of their franchise, a survey funded by the European Union found.
The project “Active Citizens for Elections and Democracy” is a collaborative initiative led by NPC (National Peace Council ) in partnership with People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), the Association of War Affected Women (AWAW), the Centre for Communication Training (CCT), and Women and Democracy (W&D) in the Maldives, which seeks to improve democratic processes in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
The survey finds that “86 percent favoured candidates with strong educational backgrounds, signaling a preference for qualified, competent leaders over political dynasties.”
The report says that the 2022 Aragalaya protests played a defining role in shaping political consciousness, with 53 percent of respondents believing the movement had a positive impact on the country’s political landscape, compared to just 13 percent who viewed it negatively.
Gender based interest on politics is also posing a problem in achieving equitable political engagement, as the findings show 37 percent of men expressed a high level of interest in politics, compared to just 17 percent of women.
Addressing political literacy the report says “83 percent of respondents considered themselves politically literate enough to make informed electoral choices. However, 12 percent admitted that their voting decisions were influenced by external factors such as family, religious leaders, or media narratives, rather than independent analysis”.
A significant finding from the report is the declining influence of patronage-based electoral strategies. Nearly 50% of respondents rejected traditional political tactics such as vote-buying, food aid distributions, and job promises, instead prioritising policy-driven leadership.
The main decision for vote preference summarized is, 92.9 percent of respondents identified economic crisis resolution as their top priority, and 83.3 percent highlighted anti-corruption efforts as a key factor in candidate selection, 85.6 percent valued educational background, suggesting a growing demand for knowledgeable and competent leadership.
The critical takeaway from the research is the widespread dissatisfaction with established political parties and Sri Lanka calling for a complete political system change.