Armed Struggle to Electoral Politics
The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power in Sri Lanka highlights a trend of left-wing revolutionary groups shifting from armed struggle to electoral politics.
Traditionally, these groups followed Marxism-Leninism and Maoism, viewing armed revolution as the only way to dismantle capitalist oppression.
In countries like Nepal, El Salvador, and India, former insurgent groups have transitioned from armed conflict to engaging in parliamentary politics, driven by changing political realities
In India, some Maoist groups, like CPI (M-L) Liberation, shifted from armed struggle to electoral politics in the 1980s.
Reasons for the Shift
Insurgencies require significant resources and public support, and prolonged violence can erode that support, particularly when civilian casualties mount and hardships increase.
Groups have increasingly realized that non-violent political engagement might offer a more sustainable path.
Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), after a decade of civil war, negotiated the Comprehensive Peace Accord in 2006, leading to their participation in mainstream politics and the establishment of a democratic republic.
In El Salvador the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN), after years of civil war, transitioned to a political party post-1992 peace accords and won elections, evolving from revolutionary Marxism to democratic socialism
Key Drivers
Armed struggle is unsustainable; peace talks offer a way to achieve political goals without violence.
Continued violence alienates civilians, pushing insurgents to seek political engagement.
International actors, like the UN in El Salvador, have encouraged insurgents to transition to peaceful political methods.
Ideological Evolution
Groups like the JVP and FMLN modified their ideologies to fit democratic frameworks, focusing on social justice through politics, not violence.
Political participation provides legitimacy and a platform to address social grievances without resorting to force.
Paradox of Revolutionary Movements
The shift is seen by some as a dilution of ideals, while others view it as an evolution of revolutionary struggle within democratic systems
The inclusion of former insurgents in politics can enhance democracy and promote more inclusive governance.
Engaging in politics represents a new form of ideological struggle, where revolutionary goals are pursued through democratic means.
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