Dear Editor,
Good governance requires enlightened leadership, possessing progressive visions, grounded in a commitment to act morally, the right persons who are best-qualified to implement that vision and who are effectively resourced. George Tierney, an 18th century English Politician, preached that the duty of an opposition was to ‘oppose everything and to propose nothing.’ In my opinion, that ideology was pure cynicism, utter garbage and what seems to be an absurd belief of many politicians in our country today. Lord Randolph Spencer Churchill, however, declared a more sensible aphorism: ‘’The duty of an Opposition is to oppose sensibly and logically.’’
Opposition responsibility is oftentimes neglected and overlooked. Opposition parties are placed in an irresponsibility frame – a frame our Opposition is very fond of, considering the absolute buffoonery that is taking place, and the embarrassment they are putting us through.
The purpose of an opposition is not only to be the minority that lost the election, but rather a concept of the people, for the people to represent the people by suggesting, recommending and cooperating with the government to develop the country.
In 2008–2011 of Spain’s legislature, the Zapatero government was under increasing pressure because of the policy measures needed to be implemented following EU recommendations. In this circumstance, the main opposition party, the conservative Popular Party (PP), united and delivered responsible behaviour showing less opposition to initiatives, because most policy decisions of the government were in line with their policy preferences. Critiques claim that we ‘expect’ too much from the opposition by placing the burden of responsibility on them. Indeed! We are expecting a lot from them! They are not there to make a mockery of our country, to incite hate, racism and islamophobia or block laws regarding the environmental care of our communities. They are not there to spread disinformation and hatred. Their responsibility should be to oppose decisions that would be disastrous or damaging to Guyana; and proposing enhanced ideas.
Opposition parties play an important role in democracy. In Nepal, Nepali Congress is the main opposition party. Congress are raising their voices at certain policies to make the government accountable meanwhile monitoring the government’s activities effectively and professionally. Democracy is a battle of ideas, one that depends on treating opponents as legitimate adversaries not treasonous enemies. An unbalanced system lacks stability. Excessive centralization of power, control, eroding public trust in the institutions of governance and reducing the effectiveness of the government puts that stability at risk. Sadly, that describes the state of our opposition today.
The good news is that renewal is possible and does not require a complex solution. What it takes is the will and commitment of the Opposition to eschew excessive centralization, and instead, embrace the values and balance of our system, put forward innovative ideas, professionally and sensibly settle an issue, put personal biases and opinions aside and put all citizens at the fore-front of their decision-making processes.
A smart, competitive opposition pushes the government to do better, re-think its actions and keep its competitive edge to win the next elections. Democracy requires representative and effective institutions and demands respect for the rule of law. It requires a professional and effective public service and is nurtured by an independent and diverse media. It is anchored by an informed and involved citizenry and balanced with a robust opposition.
Respectfully,
Nazar Mohamed
Businessman
