The Island Editorial

Need for adopting US method

The Covid-19 pandemic has upended the world and reshaped the lives of people across the globe, as never before. On the economic front, even the advanced capitalist societies have been compelled to adopt statist policies that trench on dirigisme in handling the present crises. They have chosen to use public funds to bail out private ventures in difficulty, and some of them are reportedly mulling over restrictions on international trade to settle scores with China. The states that cherish openness have become hermit kingdoms with their borders sealed and immigrants shut out, albeit temporarily, as part of their strategies to battle Covid-19.

Coronavirus has not only dealt a crippling blow to the world economy but also sidelined vital political institutions; it has had a corrosive effect on long-standing political traditions as well. What we hear from the US is a case in point.

For the first time in its 231-year history, the US Congress has reportedly resolved to allow its members to vote remotely and the committees to meet via online conferences. The House having voted to do so, last Friday, the Congress will now be able to meet without its members physically being together, as a temporary measure, reports say.

The Congress decision, however, has not found favour with the Republicans, who view it as an instance of a partisan fiat overturning an age-old precedent. The Congress has no alternative but do as it has chosen to, in view of the pandemic that has made it difficult for most lawmakers to gather in the House. Other countries, especially Sri Lanka, can adopt the US method of handling legislative affairs during national emergencies.

Information technology has made a tremendous contribution to the global battle against coronavirus. Webinars have become the order of the day, and institutions, such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), are giving virtual press conferences. Many workers are encouraged to work from home. The world has become much more dependent on online conferencing during the last several weeks than it was a few months ago.

On 15 March, the SAARC leaders had a video conference on the Covid-19 situation in the region. They would not have been able to meet even if there had been no pandemic, given the Kashmir issue which has brought India and Pakistan on a collision course. Online conferencing, which obviates the need for the SAARC leaders to gather in member states, amidst security threats, etc., may help them exchange their views regularly.

Sri Lanka should adopt the US Congress method under discussion when the next Parliament is elected. The Covid-19 crisis may be under control by that time, but most MPs will not care to attend sittings. The House usually lacks a quorum even during debates on vital matters, as we saw in the last Parliament, where, on numerous occasions, not even 20 members were present there for sittings to be quorate. Previous parliaments were no better. Over the years, lawmakers have proved that we do not need as many as 225 members of Parliament.

MPs do not regularly visit their electorates situated in far-flung areas. Their political parties should encourage them to spend more time with their electors in disaster situations such as floods and landslides; they can vote in Parliament remotely, if necessary, and parliamentary committees can have their meetings via online conferences. Most of them do not contribute to parliamentary debates in any manner; they only make a nuisance of themselves by heckling and even trading abuse and blows. Such lawmakers can vote remotely. Parliament will be less chaotic if we can ensure that they will not be physically together as far as possible.