The surprising electoral gains of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power in Sri Lanka’s recent parliamentary and presidential elections underscore a significant, yet often overlooked, global trend. Historically committed to armed revolution, left-wing groups are increasingly adopting democratic engagement as a primary means of achieving their socio-economic goals.
For decades, these groups, steeped in ideologies like Marxism-Leninism and Maoism, viewed the state as an instrument of capitalist oppression. They believed that dismantling capitalist structures through force was the only pathway to achieving social and economic justice. Armed struggle, often predicated on the concept of a ‘protracted people’s war,’ was their chosen method. This strategy, adopted by movements in countries like Nepal, El Salvador, India, and Sri Lanka, aimed for a revolutionary overthrow of the existing state apparatus.
However, the reality of sustained insurgency proved far more challenging than initially envisioned. These prolonged conflicts demanded immense resources, unwavering popular support, and the resilience to withstand often brutal state counterinsurgency tactics. The high cost, both in human lives and economic strain, coupled with a potential erosion of public support due to civilian casualties and widespread hardship, forced many revolutionary groups to critically reassess their strategies.
The transformation of Nepal’s Maoist insurgency provides a compelling case study. The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) launched a civil war in 1996, aiming to dismantle the monarchy and establish a people’s republic. After a decade of intense conflict, however, they opted for negotiation, culminating in the 2006 Comprehensive Peace Accord. This agreement allowed them to participate in mainstream politics, leading to a pivotal role in Nepal’s transition to a federal democratic republic in 2008—a remarkable achievement for a movement once dedicated to violent revolution.
El Salvador offers a parallel narrative. The Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN), a coalition of Marxist-Leninist guerrilla groups, fought a protracted civil war throughout the 1980s against a US-backed government. The 1992 peace accords marked their transition from insurgency to a legitimate political party. Subsequently, the FMLN won national elections, demonstrating the potential for left-wing insurgent groups to achieve their agendas through electoral processes, eventually shifting from revolutionary Marxism to democratic socialism.
India presents a more nuanced picture. The Communist Party of India (Maoist) continues its armed insurgency, particularly in remote rural areas with a weak government presence, adhering to Mao’s concept of a ‘protracted people’s war.’ However, other Maoist factions, such as the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation, have abandoned armed struggle, transitioning to democratic participation and electoral politics in the 1980s.
Sri Lanka’s JVP offers the most recent example of this evolving trend. Initially a Marxist-Leninist-Maoist party, the JVP led two violent uprisings in 1971 and the 1980s, before ultimately choosing the path of parliamentary politics. The brutal suppression of these insurrections, coupled with the pragmatic realization that electoral participation offered a more sustainable and less costly avenue for change, spurred this strategic shift.
Several factors have contributed to this widespread shift from armed struggle to electoral politics. The unsustainable nature of protracted insurgencies, the erosion of public support due to violence, and increasing international pressure against violent conflicts all played significant roles. International actors, notably the United Nations in El Salvador, have actively mediated peace agreements, encouraging the transition from insurgency to peaceful political engagement.
Moreover, many insurgent groups have undergone significant ideological evolution, adapting their rigid revolutionary doctrines to function within democratic frameworks. This isn’t necessarily a betrayal of their core values but rather a pragmatic adaptation, recognizing that violent revolution isn’t always the most effective, or even the only, route to achieving social and economic justice.
The integration of former insurgent groups into democratic politics can bolster the legitimacy and inclusivity of democratic systems. Their inclusion can foster greater trust in the democratic process, leading to a more participatory and resilient political landscape, provided that these groups remain committed to democratic principles and contribute to the development of inclusive governance structures. However, the long-term success of this transition hinges on their ability to build public trust, balance ideals with practical governance, and prove their commitment to democratic norms. The question remains whether this shift represents a strategic adaptation or a fundamental change in ideology, but the impact on global politics is undeniable. This is not simply a change in tactics; it’s a reshaping of the very narrative of contemporary revolutionary movements.
