Assault on leftwing protest

We are appalled by the way police baton-charged left-leaning protesters who were marching toward the office of the Election Commission on September 20, leaving scores injured. The protest was entirely peaceful, yet it was violently dispersed. Such an intolerant approach towards harmless protests runs contrary to the democratic spirit.

As enshrined in our Constitution, people are entitled to protest and ventilate their grievances through peaceful means. One may not agree with everything the other side of the political aisle has to say, but to stifle their voice so vehemently is unacceptable. This only reinforces the claim by opposition parties that the political space has shrunk greatly.

The assault on the leftwing protesters occurred just months before the elections. This begs a question: if one cannot organise political activities now, when should they? Moreover, their views about the Election Commission should be heard. Given that the commission's track record is disappointing, that political parties would try to exert pressure on the commission to make it accountable and effective is only to be expected.

Democracy thrives on dissent and divergent views. It's imperative that we ensure an environment in which people feel comfortable to voice their frustration and dissent, in order to retain our political system's democratic character which has suffered considerable damage in recent years.