Wanted: Political change
THE EDITOR: It is time for political change. The two party system has developed to a point of failure. It has failed to the extent that it has dichotomised our society. It has, in the quest for power seen men who should lead, enter into indecent squabbles. It has seen as never before those who should set standards of behaviour and living, crowding the courts. We have experienced strange election methods with voter padding, coercing youths, and using physical methods and threats, planting drugs and ammunition on candidates, just to occupy our august Parliament where our laws that ensure a civilised society are made and men made honourable. It is a sad state of affairs. It might be prudent then to suggest political change. The need for Constitutional reform. It is proposed that since our entire population is that of a town in larger countries to which we aspire that we use the vote of the entire population to elect the Prime Minister. All ministries should be contracted to a suitable size, be determined by the entire population. Men of intelligence and of substance will feel the call to serve even as Independents. Political parties will have to put forward competent men and women. It will eliminate ministers being placed by favour. It will stop the shifting of ministers. It will eliminate non-elected members from controlling important ministries. Members of Parliament will be elected by constituency as obtains now. But the member elected will have control of the local government bodies with a suitable budget to ensure transparency and proper use of funds for the people. Local government bodies will prevail. All ministers must report to the people via the media on their performance every one hundred days. A minister who fails to perform could be asked by the electorate to vacate. The runner-up in the election will take control. The same obtains in the local government. We must insist on reporting to the people. People must no longer be ignored. This will to a certain extent help eliminate party favours in the politics. Elections must be free of external support. All candidates will be given an election stipend. We will see a more efficient and forward thinking government. This is an opinion. Others should have their say. MELVIN AKAL Valsayn
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"Wanted: Political change"