A polling station

Human desires are diverse, encompassing a range of ambitions such as wealth, money, popularity, sensual pleasures, and external validation. However, the lust for power often predominates. This desire for power is a primary motive driving many individuals into politics.For these people, politics is primarily about power; we rarely find individuals entering politics genuinely intending to serve society. When driven by an excessive greed for power, politics can become vicious, deceitful, manipulative, and untrustworthy. Power is a corrupting force, and the desire for it is insatiable and intoxicating. It was Lord Acton who said, “Power tends to corrupt, an absolute power corrupts absolutely”. 

Psychologists and neuroscientists suggest that power has significant physiological, neurological, and psychological

effects on humans. It is believed to induce neurological changes in the brain and has a monumental impact on the behaviour of those who wield it. Moreover, they argue that power can warp perception, making an individual wielding power prone to overestimating his capabilities and failing to assess his strengths and weaknesses. It also tends to boost his confidence and makes him feel superior to others. The greater the power a person wields, the greater the risk of cognitive distortion taking hold and the worse the devastation when things go wrong.  Therefore, there is always for individuals in positions of political power, to misuse it for self-serving purposes and develop an addiction to it. This addiction can lead them to cling to power at any cost due to the numerous perks and other benefits associated with it at the expense of taxpayers.  

Pursuit of power 

Power itself is not inherently evil; rather how the power holder exercises his power defines his true nature. Politicians’ relentless pursuit of power often results in a continuous cycle of ambition, leading to malpractice and unethical conduct and behaviour. 

We are on the threshold of a presidential election that is scheduled to be held on September 21.At this election, citizens will have an opportunity to express their opinions and select a leader who will align with their vision for the country. Elections, including presidential elections, are fundamental to democracy. Without genuine and fair elections, democracy loses its meaning. While no system of government is perfect, democracy remains the closest to our fundamental human nature.

Democracy is based on the principle of equality, asserting that all human beings have an equal and inalienable right to life, liberty, and dignity. This principle is recognised by major world religions.

For years, people have been disillusioned by the conduct of political leaders, leading to a significant erosion of trust in politicians and their governments. This context makes the upcoming presidential election particularly significant, as it offers an opportunity for citizens to influence the political system in line with their aspirations and the country’s needs.

Today, more than ever, political integrity is crucial to ensuring that leaders and governments are accountable to the people. Corruption and abuse of power have increasingly dominated political life, leading many to believe that most political leaders are deeply corrupt. Corruption is so pervasive, that no one can deny it. It has affected local governments, public institutions, and even legislature where some elected representatives are implicated in criminal activities and are primarily motivated by personal gain. It is unfortunate, that even the most dishonourable characters become honourable when they are elected to our legislature. People are baffled as to how politicians of modest means or worth next to nothing become multimillionaires shortly after being elected to office. Moreover, while in office many unscrupulous politicians steer legislation to serve their interests. 

Private accounts 

Some have state money funneled into their private accounts resulting in dire economic and social conditions. There are allegations of corruption against many of our elected representatives, whether or not those allegations are true or not, they raise questions about their integrity. Moreover, many aspirants to political office indulge in immoral practices in elections. They think that it is the liquor and packets of rice and money that bring votes for them. Politics is a field in which dishonest people can make money easily. 

We live in a time when the core values of our nation are being threatened. We witness rampant corruption, nepotism, injustice, insensitivity to the people’s plight, impunity, and inequality. There is a widespread perception that our political leaders and parliamentarians fail to deliver on their promises and address corruption and other malpractices. 

In this environment, citizens expect presidential candidates and other leaders to be politically reliable and free from fraud or corruption. They hope leaders will avoid pushing the country into chaos, unnecessary wars, or ethnic and religious conflicts.

Guiding principles 

Integrity and incorruptibility should be the guiding principles for political leaders. This includes honesty, accountability, and a steadfast adherence to ethical principles, even in the face of adversity. It is crucial that political leaders and other elected representatives adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct, with mechanisms in place to deter corruption and abuse of power.

The country’s development and progress depend on having incorruptible leaders. The prevailing sentiment is that political leaders and rulers do not genuinely care about the people who trust them. We urgently need leaders who can guide the country towards its full potential, uniting rather than exploiting religious and ethnic divisions.

Exemplary leaders 

We need exemplary leaders, not merely rulers. We were blessed with eminent exemplary patriotic leaders who fought valiantly for the country’s independence in the past. Unfortunately, such leaders are few and far between now.  

The leaders should possess vision, charisma, and the capability to navigate governance with competence and foresight. They must understand governance, address people’s aspirations, and tackle economic development issues comprehensively.

Today, the public demands more from leaders than mere competence; they seek a commitment to ethical conduct, transparency, and the highest standards of integrity. There is a perception among the people that for this purpose it is vital to encourage and motivate the younger generation to enter politics. As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “He who does not protest against evil is cooperating with it.” Similarly, the Buddha emphasized that the moral character of a ruler influences the moral character of society. According to Professor Chandima Bandara  Buddha in many Buddhist jataka stories has outlined the principles of an ideal ruler, including personal integrity, moral character, concern for all beings, non-violence, peaceful existence, and respect for the will of the people. He further states the ancient kings the ruled the country in a just manner without overstepping the moral limits. 

The Buddha discussed the prerequisites for good governance, condemning corruption and advocating for humanitarian principles. He showed how the country could become corrupt, degenerate and unhappy when the head of the government becomes corrupt and unjust.  A ruler’s moral virtue is closely linked to social and economic conditions; when a ruler acts without virtue, societal decline follows. Rulers must act responsibly and ethically, upholding principles such as transparency, fairness, and the greater good. Jesus too has admonished his disciples that leaders should not exercise authority over people. Instead, whoever wants to become great must lower himself to be a servant. Leaders realize that serving others is the only way to lead with a pure heart, free of pride and arrogance. 

Therefore, the person who is to be elected to the presidency should remember that power is ephemeral. This transient nature of power is a theme emphasized in major world religions, including Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam. These religions highlight the temporary nature of human existence and the potential pitfalls of wielding power capriciously. Ultimately, all power and opportunities have an end; All things arise, exist and eventually pass away. leaders come and go, and nothing lasts forever. This fact should be uppermost in the minds of all aspirants to the leadership of this country. Therefore, contemplating on temporary nature of all phenomena would be pivotal in loosening attachment to power. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the person who is elected to the presidency to seek, serve and promote the common good of the people, not the good of the rulers.

Leaders should not fear defeat because if the true purpose is to serve the country, not merely to win. We need leaders who will prioritize service over personal gain and who will act with integrity and foresight to guide the nation toward its full potential.