Armed insurrection to parliamentary politics

The recent electoral success of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power in Sri Lanka's parliamentary and presidential elections marks a significant shift from armed insurgency to parliamentary politics. This reflects a broader trend where left-wing revolutionary groups, once committed to armed struggle, are now engaging with democratic processes. Groups like the JVP, Nepal’s Maoists, and El Salvador’s FMLN exemplify this evolution, signifying a pragmatic shift in their strategies to achieve social and economic justice within democratic frameworks.

Evolution of Left-Wing Insurgencies

• Ideological Roots of Armed Struggle: Left-wing insurgencies traditionally sought to dismantle capitalist states through armed struggle, driven by Marxist-Leninist or Maoist ideologies, which viewed the state as a tool of capitalist oppression.
• Transition to Democratic Engagement: Over time, insurgent groups, including Nepal’s Maoists and El Salvador’s FMLN, have shifted from revolutionary warfare to participating in parliamentary politics, adapting their methods in response to political realities.
• Strategic Realism: Protracted insurgency is resource-intensive and unsustainable. The harsh realities of prolonged warfare, including diminishing public support due to civilian casualties and hardship, have encouraged groups to pursue political solutions.

Shift in Political Strategy

• Nepal’s Maoist Example: The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) ended its civil war in 2006 and participated in mainstream politics, helping transition Nepal into a federal democratic republic, showcasing how insurgent groups can operate within democratic institutions.
• El Salvador’s FMLN Transition: After signing peace accords in 1992, the FMLN evolved from a Marxist-Leninist insurgent group into a legitimate political party, winning national elections and shifting to a more moderate, democratic socialist stance.
• Sri Lanka’s JVP: The JVP, originally a Marxist-Leninist-Maoist group that led violent uprisings in the 1970s and 1980s, has embraced parliamentary politics since the 1990s, advocating for economic reform and social justice without resorting to violence.

Factors Driving the Shift and Challenges

• Strategic Realism and Public Sentiment: Shifting public sentiment against violence and the resource-intensive nature of insurgencies have prompted revolutionary groups to reconsider their approach and engage in peaceful political processes.
• International Influence and Peace Negotiations: International actors, including the United Nations, have played key roles in facilitating peace agreements, enabling insurgent groups to transition to political participation in countries like El Salvador and Nepal.
• Ideological Adaptation and Governance: Groups transitioning to electoral politics often have to adapt their rigid revolutionary ideologies, balancing their core values with the practical demands of governance to gain public legitimacy and credibility.

Practice Question:

Q. The shift from armed struggle to electoral politics by left-wing insurgent groups, such as the JVP in Sri Lanka, Nepal’s Maoists, and El Salvador’s FMLN, highlights the evolving nature of political engagement in post-conflict societies. Analyze the factors driving this transformation and the challenges faced by these groups in establishing democratic legitimacy.