In the city-states of ancient Greece everybody participated in the business of governing. Today the increase in population and size does not permit this. A selected few have to be chosen.

The present system of election does not suit our country. It leads to violence, electoral fraud and heavy expenditure to name but a few. It has been said that power corrupts. But the quest for power also corrupts. Plato envisaged a governing class that was disinterested in governing and understood the task only as a duty. In today’s context those who thrust themselves forward for election are by and large interested not in governing the country but in serving themselves and remaining in power.

Salaries, perks, privileges and pensions are the attractions.

I therefore suggest that election be replaced by a lottery scheme. I believe that those selected by a draw will be better than those selected through votes. Those who cannot bear the cost of an election campaign can yet afford the price of a lottery ticket. As in the case of selection of a jury certain safeguards can be introduced. Only the president should be elected.
Bhikkhu C Mahinda
Makola