Nature of Electoral Democracy and Democratic Governance of the Local Government Institutions in Sri Lanka (A Case Study)

The main purpose of this paper is to explore the existing nature of electoral democracy and governing system of the local government institutions (Pradeshiya Saba) which is the most rural-based political institution in Sri Lanka. Local government institution is the core stone of the country democracy and governance. Therefore, it is a mirror of the country’s democracy as a whole. Therefore, it should be reflected the nature of democracy through equal political opportunities, for all segments of the society to participate in politics via electoral democracy, etc. Since, independence, Sri Lanka is one of the oldest democratic countries in South Asia has been followed by democratic applications in its local government system. After seventy years, since their independence, it has a well experienced democratic culture with regard to enjoying the democratic traditions at the grass-root electoral politics. People of the grass-root also have experience how to utilize their democratic choice in the electoral process regarding appoints the suitable people for the local government body and their governing process, Yet, Recent trends of the electoral democracy and governance of the local government institutions have not reflected such fair democratic participation and political and service accountability in their practices of the electoral and governing process Why? This research paper mainly focused on primary data to analyze in this regard, therefore qualitative method and analysis have been using for the analysis process. A field survey has been carrying out in selected local government institutions in the number of administrative districts. Data have been proved that women’s participation in local government institutions was extremely weak. Freedom of the right to vote and rational choice of the people concerning an election have been faced complexities due to influence by the politicians on various actions such as giving charity, goods money, etc. Appointed members of the local institutions have not reflected accountable service for the rural society. Political representatives have been engaged in many undemocratic actions such as corruption, bribes, etc. They have manipulated rural society. Therefore, people of the local voiceless regarding better democracy or governance of the local institutions.