How much is democracy at the local level a concern?

BOTH POLITICAL PARTIES are into their campaigns for the next general elections, expected to be held before the end of the year. Disappointingly though, the level of the campaign does not stir much enthusiasm for the quality of our politics in a modern society. We are still witnessing too much of the old politics, the vitriol, wild promises and all the negative aspects which make our electoral jaunts far from appealing.

Certainly, seven decades after the institution of Adult Suffrage giving adults over the age of 18 years the right to exercise their franchise and have a say in choosing national leadership- we ought to be far more professional, far more uplifting than the traditional fare being served up. Is the level of campaigning being exhibited generally not a slap in the face of all we have attempted to do, educationally and socially over the years? Surely those who compete for our votes must demonstrate a greater sense of leadership, an understanding not just of the village and constituency politics, but of the modern economy and how our people can both benefit from and contribute to it.

Within the parties themselves, we have constituency groups that actively engage in the selection of political candidates; these are card carrying members of the parties. However, there does not seem to be that similar level of interest in the exercise of people’s democracy at a group and village level within the wider society. Let us take one example. There was once a time when, in addition to national elections to the then Legislative Council- the National Assembly of today- elections were also held for several local bodies- town councils and village councils.

Though far from perfect and given the times of these early experiments in local government, it was nevertheless an important recognition that governance goes deeper than directions from the top. This experiment however fell victim to the divisive actions of party politics and the intensifying conflict then between an ambitious and rising Labour party and the then dominant PPP, often derided as the “poor People’s Party”. Lacking a clear vision on this important issue, the response was to curtail the opposition, not by improving the system, but by shutting off this limited democratic experiment altogether. Local government was scrapped by the so-called “Junta Government” more than a half century ago, never to return. Local government bodies and institutions became mere arms of those who wielded power at the national

level, hand-picked cronies ruling the roost.

During this time there has been official recognition of the inadequacy of a system which was supposed to provide direct representation and governance at the local level.

Sums of taxpayers’ money have been spent on Commissions of Enquiry, and even by the current government on supposed proposals to deepen and democratize local government. We are yet to receive the outcome of any such proposal, and the Opposition, supposed watchdog of democracy, does not seem to care one iota about this most fundamental of democratic participation in governance.

Over the years the ostracization has deepened even in local party institutions, on both sides of the fence. Also alarming is the fact that this decline in democratic participation has spread to many different vital institutions that have helped to prepare our people for service at the national level. Some, such as the NationalYouth Council, the National Student Council, and even the National Council of Women have either become defunct or are mere shadows of their former vibrant selves. And, while our trade unions have managed to keep themselves alive, there is little democratic agreement on a clear and cohesive trade union agenda that should collectively be pursued.

It is not only a pity, but a shame how we have declined where these fundamental issues are concerned. The decline in such democratic grass roots entities did not happen overnight, but gradually over the course of the administration of our two main political parties.

Unfortunately, it does not appear that these are issues of concern to either of them, which should itself be a cause for concern and action on the part of the citizenry. Our participation in the democratic processes of our country should not merely be seen as the casting of a vote once every five years.

Sadly, however, it does not appear to have dawned on us or our consciousness.