The role of the opposition

The election is over and although the results are not yet clear, victory for the SLPP is certain. The only matter in doubt is the size of majority and whether the necessary numbers to muster the two-thirds of seats needed to amend the constitution can be obtained.

What then should the opposition do? Should it view its role as simply to oppose everything the government does? Out of disappointment and frustration it is tempting for opposition members to be obstructionist and oppose every single thing the government does, good or bad. Opposition members may realise that the country faces a deep crisis and may imagine that by obstructing necessary reforms-tax increases, privatisation or spending cuts for example that they will push the country into a crisis which can lead to them ascending to power.    

Not only is this view short-sighted, it is also selfish and immoral because it places the interests of the opposition members ahead of the interests of the people they are meant to represent.

"Guidelines on the rights and duties of the opposition in parliament", a document unanimously adopted by the participants at the Parliamentary Seminar on Relations Between Majority and Minority Parties in African Parliaments (Libreville, Gabon, 17–19 May 1999) sets out some duties that are summarised below. 

The most important is that they must offer alternative programmes to what the government is doing. It is not simply a matter of opposing, they must also offer an alternative plan to whatever is being proposed. An alternative tax or investment policy for example.  

"The opposition in parliament has a duty to offer voters a credible alternative to the government in office to make the majority accountable. To be a credible alternative, however, the opposition must also be ready to exercise the responsibilities to which it aspires on a lasting basis. In other words, it must have a programme which it is ready to implement." 

The programmes need to be properly thought out and be ready to implement, meaning it must not just be an idea, practical administrative aspects must also be worked out.

"In democracy, political life is enriched by free competition of political programmes; it is impoverished by rivalry based on personal ambitions which merely disqualifies it in the eyes of public opinion.... It must engage in constructive and responsible opposition by making counter-proposals. In its action,

the opposition must not seek to hinder pointlessly the action of the government but rather endeavour to encourage it to improve such action in the general interest. " 

They need to act on the basis of principle within the basis of a moral framework, including elements like honesty and compassion.

The three guiding principles for public policy that should inform all their actions are:

1. Minimising suffering.

2. Fighting tyranny.

3. Promoting tolerance

(Taken from here)

J R Jayewardene's government with a 5/6th majority was notorious for its abuse of power. There is always a danger that a super majority can lead to tyranny, the opposition needs to stop it; by highlighting and campaigning against the abuse of power and oppression. It must speak for those who have no voice, the weak and the vulnerable. In this there must be no compromise, it must be unwavering and tenacious. 

The lack of principled opposition has been one of the causes of the destruction of democracy in Sri Lanka. Instead of offering credible alternative programmes or constructive criticism opposition parties have resorted to populism and ethnic outbidding to score political points.

The UNP looks set to lose badly in this election. There is an opportunity for the SJB to take its place but to be effective they need to start afresh, eschew cheap populism and build a principled opposition.