Prof. Chandana Jayalath

In every functioning democracy, Parliament plays a central role in shaping the nation’s future. It is the institution that represents the will of the people, legislates on their behalf, and holds the government accountable for its actions. In countries like Sri Lanka, Parliament is the heartbeat of the democratic process, where laws are debated, decisions are made, and national priorities are set. However, as much as the institution itself is critical, the quality of its members is equally significant in ensuring that Parliament fulfills its role effectively.

The Role of Parliament in a Nutshell

Parliament’s primary responsibility is lawmaking. Every significant policy, regulation, or public initiative in the country must pass through its rigorous debate and approval processes. By legislating, Parliament ensures that laws reflect the evolving needs of the people while safeguarding national values and constitutional principles. Another essential function of Parliament is oversight. Members of Parliament (MPs) hold the government accountable by scrutinizing its actions, budget allocations, and policy implementation. Parliamentary debates, questions, and committee reports all serve as mechanisms to prevent abuse of power and ensure that the government operates transparently and in the public interest. Additionally, Parliament serves as the voice of the people. MPs, as elected representatives, bring the concerns of their constituents into the national discourse. By voicing these issues, they help align national policies with the day-to-day realities of citizens, ensuring that the needs of the diverse population are met.

The Quality Expected of Members of Parliament

While the structural role of Parliament is well-defined, the effectiveness of the institution is contingent upon the caliber of the individuals who serve within it. The quality of MPs is fundamental to the credibility, efficiency, and integrity of the entire legislative process. First and foremost, MPs must possess a strong ethical foundation. They should be individuals of integrity who prioritize the welfare of their constituents and the nation over personal gain. Corruption, conflicts of interest, and unethical behavior can severely undermine the trust the public places in Parliament, eroding democratic institutions over time. Knowledge and Competence is the next in line. The complex issues discussed in Parliament—from national security to economic policy—demand that MPs have a deep understanding of both the subject matter and legislative processes. While no one MP is expected to be an expert in every field, a basic level of competence, combined with a willingness to learn and engage in informed debate, is crucial. On the other hand, MPs are not merely figureheads; they are public servants entrusted with significant responsibility. This requires dedication and a genuine commitment to serving the interests of their constituents. Parliamentarians must prioritize the public good, even when it conflicts with personal interests or the pressures of political life. In a diverse society, MPs must be able to bridge divides, representing not only their immediate constituency but also the broader interests of the nation. This requires empathy, open-mindedness, and the ability to engage with individuals from various backgrounds and viewpoints. Further, the Parliamentarians must be effective communicators. They need to articulate the concerns of their constituents clearly, argue for policy changes persuasively, and engage in debates constructively. This includes being transparent about their decisions and positions on key issues, allowing the public to hold them accountable. Ultimately, the quality of MPs is not only determined by their personal virtues but also by the systems in place to hold them accountable. Political parties, the media, and civil society all have roles to play in ensuring that those who serve in Parliament meet the highest standards of public service. Electoral systems must promote the selection of competent, ethical candidates, and voters must be vigilant in assessing the qualities of those they elect. Continuous public scrutiny, through an active and free press, helps ensure that MPs are held accountable for their actions, reinforcing the importance of integrity and competence. As citizens, we must recognize the significance of this institution and demand that those we elect embody the highest standards of public life. Only then can Parliament fulfill its true role in society and ensure a prosperous and just future for all.

People’s Role in Selecting Members in a Parliamentary Election

In a democracy, the most powerful tool in the hands of the people is the right to vote. In Sri Lanka, parliamentary elections represent the culmination of the people’s role in determining who will legislate, lead, and hold the government accountable on their behalf. Every voter, regardless of social status or background, is entrusted with the power to shape the country’s future by selecting members of Parliament who will represent their interests. However, with great power comes great responsibility. It is critical for the electorate to understand and fulfill this role conscientiously. The buzz word here is the Power of the Vote. Parliamentary elections are the cornerstone of representative democracy. In Sri Lanka, where Parliament is the supreme legislative body, the members elected through the vote directly influence the country’s policies, governance, and development. The process allows citizens to choose candidates who reflect their values, concerns, and vision for the future. Each vote contributes to determining who will be responsible for making laws, managing public finances, and ensuring the overall wellbeing of the nation. Therefore, it is not just a right but a civic duty to vote with careful consideration. A single vote may seem insignificant, but collectively, the votes of millions decide who will hold the reins of power.

Voters need to be discerning about the qualities they expect from their representatives. Elections are not merely about party loyalty or charismatic personalities but about choosing individuals who can deliver on promises and address the nation’s pressing issues. The first quality voters should demand in their elected officials is integrity. Politicians should be transparent, ethical, and committed to serving the people rather than personal or party interests. Voters must be wary of candidates who have a track record of corruption, dishonesty, or criminal behavior. Holding MPs accountable for their actions is crucial, and voters have the power to reject those who fail to uphold public trust. Parliamentary representatives must be capable of steering the country toward progress. They should have a clear vision for development, economic growth, and social harmony. Voters should scrutinize their proposed policies and ask critical questions about how these ideas will be implemented. Visionary leaders go beyond slogans and rhetoric; they present concrete plans that benefit all citizens, not just a select few. In a complex and fast-changing world, MPs need to possess the competence and knowledge required to address key issues like economic stability, healthcare, education, and foreign policy. Voters must elect individuals who understand both local and global dynamics and are capable of making informed decisions in Parliament. Inclusivity and Representation are also not forgettable. Sri Lanka is a diverse nation with people of different ethnicities, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The members of Parliament must be able to represent this diversity and work for the common good. Voters should prioritize candidates who demonstrate empathy, inclusiveness, and a commitment to equality. A representative who can unite rather than divide the nation is essential for long-term peace and prosperity.

The Importance of Informed Voting

One of the key responsibilities of voters is to make informed decisions. This requires paying attention to the manifestos, track records, and debates surrounding the candidates and their parties. The media plays an important role in disseminating information, but voters must critically evaluate the reliability of the sources they consult. In an era of misinformation and disinformation, relying on verified facts rather than propaganda is essential to making sound electoral choices. Voters should also attend or watch political debates, follow campaign promises, and examine the personal histories of candidates. The democratic process thrives when voters are well-informed and vote based on substance rather than superficial impressions. However, in every election cycle, there are candidates who attempt to buy votes through favors, promises of government jobs, or outright financial incentives. While such offers might seem tempting, especially in economically challenging times, accepting these short-term gains can have long-term negative consequences. Electing individuals based on temporary personal benefits rather than their capacity to govern effectively undermines democracy and contributes to poor governance, corruption, and inefficiency. The people of Sri Lanka must resist such offers and remember that their vote is a contribution to the country’s future. The choices made today will impact future generations, shaping the opportunities available to children and grandchildren.

Sri Lanka has a relatively high voter turnout compared to many other democracies. However, ensuring that every eligible citizen exercises their right to vote is still vital. Voter apathy, especially among young people, can lead to an imbalanced representation where only certain segments of society dictate the nation’s course. Every voice matters and it is the collective responsibility of citizens to encourage participation in the electoral process. Additionally, voters must hold elected officials accountable after elections. Engaging in community discussions, staying informed about the performance of MPs, and participating in civil society efforts are important ways to ensure that elected representatives continue to work for the people. In the end, the quality of governance depends largely on the wisdom of the electorate. A well-informed, vigilant, and engaged populace is the foundation of a thriving democracy—one that holds its leaders accountable and works for the betterment of all citizens.