Sri Lanka, June 10 -- Periodic elections are an essential feature of a democracy. Elections enable people to choose whichever political party or group will govern their country for a period stipulated under the law, most likely the Constitution. Sovereignty lies with the people who vote parties in and out at regular elections depending on their performance. If a country believes in or follows democratic models of governance, this cardinal principle cannot be ignored under any circumstances. People elect their representatives to make laws on their behalf and run the country. It is not a permanent mandate. If the party in power performs dismally, it will become a sure recipe for disaster at the election that follows. Political parties pres...