EU survey: Voters demand change in political system, end to political dynasties
View(s):Nearly 50 per cent of respondents of a new survey on voter preferences, indicated that a new political force was necessary to resolve Sri Lanka’s crisis, while an overwhelming 90 per cent called for a complete political system change. It also showed that people are moving away from traditional patronage politics and instead prioritising policy-driven, accountable leadership.
Also shown was that voters overwhelmingly prioritised candidates who would offer clear strategies to address the economic crisis, fight corruption and ensure good governance. Some 93 per cent of respondents indicated they would vote based on a candidate’s ability to resolve the economic crisis, 83 per cent prioritised candidates committed to tackling corruption and 86 percent favoured candidates with strong educational backgrounds, signalling a preference for qualified, competent leaders over political dynasties, it showed.
The survey was part of a research report titled “Factors Guiding Voter Preference in Elections in Sri Lanka”, commissioned by the National Peace Council under the European Union funded project “Active Citizens for Elections and Democracy,” recently launched in Colombo.
The study conducted by Dr. Mahesh Senanayake and Ms. Crishni Silva of the University of Colombo offers valuable insights into the key drivers of voter behaviour within Sri Lanka’s dynamic political context. It examines how factors such as economic concerns, perceptions of leadership, trust in public institutions and prevailing social issues influence electoral decisions.
The study also found a decline in the effectiveness of political patronage, with nearly 50 per cent of voters rejecting transactional politics such as food aid distribution, government job promises and infrastructure projects for electoral gain. This indicates a shift towards issue-based and policy driven decision making.
Voters are also moving away from identity-based politics, with factors such as ethnicity, religion and age – once dominant in elections – now less influential. A significant percentage of voters focused instead on leadership qualities, governance policies and economic strategies.
At the launch, Project Manager, Ben Perinpanayagam, who introduced the Active Citizens for Elections and Democracy (ACED) project outlined its objectives to safeguard enabling civic space and promote political pluralism and inclusion by sharing and applying locally generated knowledge.
Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, acknowledged the government’s perspective on strengthening democratic institutions and enhancing citizen trust. He emphasised that Sri Lanka was a democracy and understanding the electorate was vital. A survey of this nature was not merely an academic exercise but a diagnostic tool. He expressed his appreciation to the research team, stating that without such research, understanding of political trends would be based on speculation. “Research must be an evidence-based exercise and this study is highly beneficial to society,” he said.
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