Conflicting narratives and NPP's electoral performance

WHAT can conflicting narratives, a serious lack of communication strategy, and an emerging phenomenon of “ignorogance” (a mix of ignorance and arrogance) cause to an otherwise powerful dispensation?

- By A.L.A. Azeez

Albert Hirschman, the quintessential social scientist, calls the downside of this development the result of a systemic lack of communication. His seminal work “The Rhetoric of Reaction” is instructive.

The outcome of Local Government elections held on 6 May 2025 is as important a wake-up call as it is a valuable lesson for the ruling National People’s Power (NPP). The party, which holds power at the centre through a two-third majority in Parliament, appears, however, to been electorally bruised at the grassroots, following the local authorities elections.

The NPP enjoyed commanding heights of power following the election of President Anura Kumara Disanayake in September last year. The Government that ensued had every reason to be confident, forward-looking and progressive.

To the contrary it has often demonstrated “ignorogance.” It has lacked sensitivity in its handling of some governance-related issues and minority concerns. Now the score card is before the nation, and there is apparently considerable decline in political support for the party in the North and East.

The NPP Government may now be tempted to either revisit its political strategy and vision to regain and retain public trust or take the easy way-out, as was the case with many ruling parties in the past when they ran out of public support.

That is appealing to majoritarian instincts to hold on to power. It is ironic, however, that the majority itself has so many grievances that yet remain unresolved, but get glossed over or buried under, until they resurface at a later time when the appeal loses its steam and charm.

Ample opportunity for well-thought-out steps