We Should Have Debates Leading Up To The 2022 General Election
I
think we should have political debates leading up to the 2022 general
election. Now I know that many of you
would say that debates are not a part of our democracy, but that is not true. Across the world Parliamentary Democracies
are holding debates, the United Kingdom which is considered the mother of
Parliamentary Democracies, hold debates.
Other Commonwealth countries like Canada, New Zealand and Jamaica are
holding debates and I think it’s time the Bahamas does the same. I think it would strength our democracy, make
politicians answer hard questions and force them to engage the Bahamian
electorate in a way they have not done before.
Unlike
political rallies where the focus seems to be on having a good time, debates
shift the attention to facts, and it gives the candidates an opportunity to
speak to the whole electorate, rather than solely to their primary supporters. Further, elections are a serious matter and
while there is nothing wrong with having fun, there comes a time when we must
stop and give serious discussion and considerations to burning issues like the
economy, immigration, education, health care, national development etc. The voters at the very least must be given
information and allowed to make an informed choice on Election Day. Unfortunately, these days the focus is not on
the issues, but on the personality and popularity of the political leaders
whose followers sometimes seem to have an almost cult like level of
worship. And many times these leaders seem
to partake in their own Kool-Aid because they seemingly believe that we should
follow them without question or objection. But contrary to popular belief,
voting is not only a right; it’s a sacred responsibility and one that is far
more valuable than money, free beer and a dam good time. This month we would
celebrate forty-seven years as an independent nation, but our Parliament
stretches back to 1729, that’s 291 years of parliamentary democracy, it is not perfect and there were many
challenges, but don’t you think it’s time for us to mature as a people or are
we content to continue on with the status quo.
In all honesty, many in
politics seem to think the people should serve them, not they serve the people,
and we are sitting back and watching the gradual decline of our democracy, but are
not willing to make any demands of our politicians least we lose our place at
the “benefits and beggars table” . If we
don’t toe the line we would lose our government contracts, our position on one
of the many boards and committee etc so we keep quiet, even if what is going on
is not in the best interest of the country.
We help to hide the secrets and help victimize those who speak up or
deer to express an independent opinion, in essence, we sell out, and like Esau,
we trade our future for a bowl of stew.
We need to start thinking nationally, and forcing those who are vying
for our votes to answer the tough questions, to at least let us see a little of
who you are away from the fun and frolic of the rally. It’s time for a change and the change begins
with making a more informed choice over
those we wish to lead us, and debates will help us to do that.