bahamianpride
05-25-07, - 12:55 PM
Democracy, The Big Winner
http://www.thenassauguardian.com/editorial/334590602304431.php
"Democracy is not something you believe in or a place to hang your hat, but it's something you do. You
participate. If you stop doing it, democracy crumbles"
The national events of the past few weeks have affirmed that democracy as depicted by the late American social and political activist Abbie Hoffman, is alive and well in The Bahamas. As a nation, we have enjoyed a parliamentary democracy since 1729. And I would argue that today, our local democracy is the richest and most dynamic that it has been for some time.
There are many Bahamians however, who would point to the ongoing political rows, claims of election irregularities and underhanded actions, and the continued noisy observations of those in opposition to the present Government as evidence that our tradition of a smoothly functioning democracy is under assault. Some have gone as far to label opposition forces, primarily supporters of the PLP, as sore losers.
Unfortunately, recent elections have resulted in weak oppositions with little firepower and we as a people have become accustomed to the same. In fact, the 1997 and 2002 elections were such lopsided victories for the FNM and PLP respectively, that the defeated party was basically gutted and left punch drunk for some time.
In contrast, there is very little doubt, that 'Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition' is the strongest and most vibrant it has been in terms of numbers and quality of representatives, since the historic general elections of 1967. This bodes well for both democracy and governance in The Bahamas.
In a parliamentary democracy, such as ours, the Opposition has a sacred and a fundamental role to play. The Opposition acts as a watchdog to ensure that the executive arm of the Government acts in a proper manner, to bring about the necessary checks and balances in our system, and to ensure that all legislation introduced to Parliament serves the best interest of the majority of Bahamians. Foremost though, the Opposition serves as the political voice to the thousands of Bahamians who do not support the present Government. These duties became the responsibility of the PLP, the night of May 2nd, 2007 when it was apparent that the FNM had won sufficient seats to form the next Government.
The Progressive Liberal Party would be failing in its constitutional duty if that organization were to lie down and play dead at the present time as many political commentators have advocated.
The PLP party has an obligation to fight for the rights and interests of those who support them and to fight for its perceived rights to the three additional seats in the Senate. No one should fault the Opposition for doing its job.
Further, it is disingenuous to regard the potential election court cases as another example of sour grapes by the PLP. The PLP has not traditionally been a party with access to significant financial resources and the costs of filing and conducting such cases are considerable. As such this process is not one to be regarded flippantly.
Furthermore, these potential cases are to ensure that the true will of the people is reflected in all instances and will highlight electoral deficiencies and problems to be addressed and improved upon in the future.
A strong and vocal Opposition is good for our democracy and will result in better overall governance.
Had the Christie Administration been faced with a stronger Opposition during the first few years in Government, it is arguable that many downfalls would have been avoided. In essence a strong Opposition leads to a more effective, efficient, transparent and responsive Government.
Aside from the jeering and booing of parliamentarians and their spouses which should be strongly condemned, this week's Opening of Parliament was a visible indication that democracy is functioning and deepening in our country. There were a great number of supporters of both major political parties present. What was most evident is that there seems to be a greater general interest in politics, governance and national affairs. This is good for The Bahamas and is a byproduct of a strong Opposition.
As Bahamians, we should never forget that our forefathers fought tirelessly and sacrificed much so that we could enjoy the right of freedom of expression and redress through the legal system and other means. Whether an individual lines up politically with the present governing or opposition forces in our country, at no cost should he or she sit by idly and allow such rights to be suppressed by those who differ. Democracy in The Bahamas is indeed alive and working, and its continued legacy requires no less.
Please e-mail comments on this article to: proud_to_be_bahamian@yahoo.com
http://www.thenassauguardian.com/editorial/334590602304431.php
"Democracy is not something you believe in or a place to hang your hat, but it's something you do. You
participate. If you stop doing it, democracy crumbles"
The national events of the past few weeks have affirmed that democracy as depicted by the late American social and political activist Abbie Hoffman, is alive and well in The Bahamas. As a nation, we have enjoyed a parliamentary democracy since 1729. And I would argue that today, our local democracy is the richest and most dynamic that it has been for some time.
There are many Bahamians however, who would point to the ongoing political rows, claims of election irregularities and underhanded actions, and the continued noisy observations of those in opposition to the present Government as evidence that our tradition of a smoothly functioning democracy is under assault. Some have gone as far to label opposition forces, primarily supporters of the PLP, as sore losers.
Unfortunately, recent elections have resulted in weak oppositions with little firepower and we as a people have become accustomed to the same. In fact, the 1997 and 2002 elections were such lopsided victories for the FNM and PLP respectively, that the defeated party was basically gutted and left punch drunk for some time.
In contrast, there is very little doubt, that 'Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition' is the strongest and most vibrant it has been in terms of numbers and quality of representatives, since the historic general elections of 1967. This bodes well for both democracy and governance in The Bahamas.
In a parliamentary democracy, such as ours, the Opposition has a sacred and a fundamental role to play. The Opposition acts as a watchdog to ensure that the executive arm of the Government acts in a proper manner, to bring about the necessary checks and balances in our system, and to ensure that all legislation introduced to Parliament serves the best interest of the majority of Bahamians. Foremost though, the Opposition serves as the political voice to the thousands of Bahamians who do not support the present Government. These duties became the responsibility of the PLP, the night of May 2nd, 2007 when it was apparent that the FNM had won sufficient seats to form the next Government.
The Progressive Liberal Party would be failing in its constitutional duty if that organization were to lie down and play dead at the present time as many political commentators have advocated.
The PLP party has an obligation to fight for the rights and interests of those who support them and to fight for its perceived rights to the three additional seats in the Senate. No one should fault the Opposition for doing its job.
Further, it is disingenuous to regard the potential election court cases as another example of sour grapes by the PLP. The PLP has not traditionally been a party with access to significant financial resources and the costs of filing and conducting such cases are considerable. As such this process is not one to be regarded flippantly.
Furthermore, these potential cases are to ensure that the true will of the people is reflected in all instances and will highlight electoral deficiencies and problems to be addressed and improved upon in the future.
A strong and vocal Opposition is good for our democracy and will result in better overall governance.
Had the Christie Administration been faced with a stronger Opposition during the first few years in Government, it is arguable that many downfalls would have been avoided. In essence a strong Opposition leads to a more effective, efficient, transparent and responsive Government.
Aside from the jeering and booing of parliamentarians and their spouses which should be strongly condemned, this week's Opening of Parliament was a visible indication that democracy is functioning and deepening in our country. There were a great number of supporters of both major political parties present. What was most evident is that there seems to be a greater general interest in politics, governance and national affairs. This is good for The Bahamas and is a byproduct of a strong Opposition.
As Bahamians, we should never forget that our forefathers fought tirelessly and sacrificed much so that we could enjoy the right of freedom of expression and redress through the legal system and other means. Whether an individual lines up politically with the present governing or opposition forces in our country, at no cost should he or she sit by idly and allow such rights to be suppressed by those who differ. Democracy in The Bahamas is indeed alive and working, and its continued legacy requires no less.
Please e-mail comments on this article to: proud_to_be_bahamian@yahoo.com