by Zanita Careem
Women, considered to be indifferent to politics are surprisingly showing signs of an active interest in the country’s political activities.

Gone are the days when the home and hearth used to be the main pre-occupation of a woman.

She was then expected, as a rule, not to concern herself upon affairs affecting the socio-economic conditions of the nation, considering that such great things were the monopoly of the man.

No matter whether she is a housewife content with her life at home or a working woman whizzing through life at a maddening pace trying to reconcile the worlds of home and office. She is politically conscious because an intelligent use of the vote can greatly help build a better future.

Politicians happily made rash promises which to be fulfilled has to be paid with the future and when people especially fell for these gimmicks but now the women exercise their rights and have a say in how they are governed.

Today women the world over are taking part in the governance of their nations from being Prime Minister and head of cabinets to leading several international organisations, evidently reflected even in Sri Lanka. It used to be that most women never took an active part in public life restricting themselves to the confines of their kitchens. The gradual broadening of vision over the years has witnessed the emergence of Sri Lankan women as a responsible force to be reckoned with. Today women all over the country seem to be eager to make their presence felt by having their say in the election.

A significant feature of general election 2000 is the marked number of women contestants. A total of 116 women have come forward and of them 94 women are contesting on the JVP ticket and as independent candidates. (News item Daily News).

Most of them we spoke to were determined to vote. We must avail of our fundamental rights states Mrs. Naeema Sally, who has just returned from Canada. Commenting on the local political scene she said, elections here are tainted with murder assault and killings. So we fear to take an active part.

It is our duty as mature members of a democracy to vote adds Florida a banker in one of the leading foreign banks. Darshini disillusioned about the political leaders in the country said she would rather not waste her time.

These women are not alone in their disgust about the state of affairs in the country. Today even the working women, even housewives, teachers, lawyers their common refrain was "Right now I’m so disgusted with the state of affairs even though I’ve voted before I don’t think I’ll vote this time". "I don’t think any party deserves to be voted for."

Women are the decision makers. Their last minute decision of whether to vote and whom to vote for could be a strong determinant of the outcome of the polls this time. Women can tilt the fortunes of any political party assuming they can become activists at the time of election. It is no secret that women now run the political campaigns of their menfolk, the women cadre giving support during the campaigns by participating in house to house campaign, attending political meetings and rallies. She is reassured that she has contributed her bit to improving the political climate in the nation by voting.

Opinions regarding the election.
Mrs. Dammi Rajasinghe

The Government should be thanked for protecting the rights of the people and holding elections on time. We appreciate the fact that the elections are going to be held despite the ongoing war. But it is also the duty of the Government to make sure that the elections are free and fair.

Mrs. Sheela Madapatha

It’s not just to say that the elections are being held and start killing each other while trying to figure out who initiated election violence. What this country needs is a peaceful atmosphere. In order to build this if the elections that are due to be held at the cost so many human lives what is the use of having an election at all? If there is to be a society devoid of fear, then there should be a free election.

Mrs. Apeksha Samarasekara

Its good that elections are being held. It’s also good if the people who are suffering with economical problems would at least find some solace at the end of this election. The people expect this time elections to be free and fair devoid of all violence.

Mrs. Geetha Senanayake

It is good if all those who are asking for elections agree to hold a fair election without violence. The question is are there people who can agree on it. It is poor people of the country who finally suffer from election violence. Those who are going to govern the people should be more intelligent than the common man.

Mrs. Lakshmi Seneviratne

It is very ugly that somehow or other violence comes into play every time that there is an election held in our country. It’s very good if we can avoid this and hold elections this time. It could once again be considered as a dismal period for the country if there is violence and fear during the election. The people of the country want to live without fear or violence.

Yes most deem the exercising of franchise a duty that accompanies the fundamental rights granted to one as citizen of the country says Mrs. Mackie. I do believe in voting and have always voted. I guess that is the only way one contributes to democracy.

Mrs. Gunasekera feels that with threats and intimidation whether it is worth the effort. "Today I am skeptical and there were some women proved to have taken the easy way out. Their attitudes are guided by their peers and other social groups rather than by their observation or events first hand.

I don’t think about politics, and I am least concerned with politics were disgustingly frequent. The perception of these women is that politics is a dirty game and they have better things to be occupied with.

Many women are playing the patience game. And for women it is a matter of looking out for who has the best of what they want. We need a change, we need a decisive government, says the majority of women.

Chaos seems the middle name right now and that doesn’t come across very clear in the responses of the would be voters. Ultimately the outcome seem to largely depend on what the electorate will decide when they are faced with the ballot paper and stamp in hand.

In today’s scenario it seems to be secret ballot without any intention. There will be a day when the Sri Lankan women will put a government in power!