The perception
and evaluation of political clientelism among Sri Lanka's impoverished
communities is a complex issue that requires a closer examination. The
impoverished communities are the most vulnerable to the effects of political
clientelism as they depend on the state for basic services such as healthcare,
education, and housing. Therefore, their perception and evaluation of political
clientelism are crucial in understanding the impact of this practice on the
country's socioeconomic development.
In recent years, Sri Lanka has made significant increases in poverty rates. According to the World Bank, the poverty rate in Sri Lanka increased from 6.7% in 2012 to 13% in 2021. However, the ratio could be increased, and poverty remains concentrated in certain regions and among certain ethnic groups. For instance, poverty rates are higher in the Northern and Eastern provinces, which are predominantly Tamil-speaking. Moreover, poverty rates are higher among female-headed households and households headed by people with disabilities.
The
concentration of poverty among certain communities makes them more susceptible
to political clientelism. Politicians often target these communities during
election campaigns, promising them material goods such as rice, bicycles, or sewing
machines in exchange for their votes. This type of exchange is known as the
"politics of the handout."
The
politics of the handout has been criticized for perpetuating poverty and
inequality. Instead of addressing the root causes of poverty, politicians use
short-term solutions to win the support of vulnerable communities. This
practice also undermines the credibility of democratic institutions as it
undermines the idea of free and fair elections.
Despite the
criticisms, the politics of the handout remains popular among Sri Lanka's
impoverished communities. A study conducted by the Centre for Poverty Analysis
(CEPA) in 2018 found that 44% of the respondents had received some form of
material benefit from a politician. The study also found that those who
received benefits were more likely to vote for the politician who provided them
with the benefit.
The study
by CEPA also found that the perception of political clientelism among Sri
Lanka's impoverished communities is mixed. While some see it as a way to access
basic services, others see it as a form of corruption that undermines the
credibility of democratic institutions. The study found that 37% of the
respondents believed that political clientelism was a form of corruption, while
35% believed that it was a way to access basic services.
The mixed
perception of political clientelism among Sri Lanka's impoverished communities
reflects the complexity of the issue. On the one hand, political clientelism
provides vulnerable communities with material goods that they may not have
access to otherwise. On the other hand, it undermines the idea of free and fair
elections and perpetuates poverty and inequality.
Moreover,
political clientelism also has a gender dimension. Women, who are often the
primary caregivers and providers in impoverished households, are more likely to
be targeted by politicians. However, the benefits they receive are often
limited to household goods, such as sewing machines, which do not provide them
with long-term economic empowerment.
The negative
impact of political clientelism on women is also reflected in their
participation in politics. Women are significantly underrepresented in Sri
Lanka's political sphere, comprising only 5.3% of
the
parliament. The underrepresentation of women in politics is linked to the lack
of opportunities and resources available to them, as well as the cultural
barriers that prevent them from participating in public life. The prevalence of
political clientelism reinforces these barriers, as it reinforces the idea that
women's role in politics is limited to being passive recipients of handouts
rather than active participants in the decision-making process.
The
negative impact of political clientelism on Sri Lanka's socioeconomic
development is also evident in the quality of public services. Politicians who
use handouts to win the support of vulnerable communities do not invest in
long-term solutions to address poverty and inequality. As a result, public
services such as healthcare and education remain underfunded and understaffed.
This lack of investment also reinforces the cycle of poverty, as impoverished
communities do not have access to the resources they need to improve their
livelihoods.
To address
the issue of political clientelism in Sri Lanka, there needs to be a concerted
effort to invest in long-term solutions to address poverty and inequality. This
requires a comprehensive approach that involves investing in public services,
providing opportunities for economic empowerment, and promoting gender
equality. It also requires a shift in the cultural attitudes towards politics,
where the focus is on promoting the values of democracy, rather than short-term
gains.
One
approach that has been successful in addressing political clientelism is the
use of social accountability mechanisms. Social accountability mechanisms are
tools that enable citizens to hold public officials accountable for their
actions. These mechanisms include community scorecards, public hearings, and
citizen report cards. By enabling citizens to participate in the
decision-making process, social accountability mechanisms promote transparency
and accountability in public institutions.
So, the issue of political clientelism in Sri Lanka is a complex issue
that requires a comprehensive approach. While the practice provides short-term
benefits to vulnerable communities, it undermines the credibility of democratic
institutions and perpetuates poverty and inequality. To address this issue,
there needs to be a shift toward investing in long-term solutions to address
poverty and inequality. This requires a concerted effort to promote gender
equality, invest in public services, and promote the values of democracy. The
use of social accountability mechanisms is also an effective way to promote
transparency and accountability in public institutions. Only by addressing the
root causes of poverty and inequality can Sri Lanka achieve its full potential
as a democratic and prosperous nation.
References
Centre for Policy Alternatives. (2016). Clientelism and
Political Culture in Sri Lanka: A Survey in the Southern Province. Retrieved
from https://www.cpalanka.org/clientelism-and-political-culture-in-sri-lanka-a-survey-in-the-southern-province/
World Bank. (2021). Poverty headcount ratio at national
poverty lines (% of population). Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.NAHC?locations=LK
Geddes, B. (1994). Politician's Dilemma: Building State
Capacity in Latin America. University of California Press.
Putnam, R. (1993). Making democracy work: Civic traditions
in modern Italy. Princeton University Press.
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