Dear Editor,
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding recent developments within our political party – the People’s National Congress – PNC/R, specifically the decision by Mr. Aubrey Norton to appoint himself as the director of the committee responsible for planning and managing the upcoming party congress, at which a new leader will be elected. It undermines the democratic credentials of our party. Therefore, that decision should be reviewed.
While the democratic process of electing a new leader is a cornerstone of our party’s values, it is worrying to see such a crucial process being overseen by the very individual, who is a candidate in the leadership race. This decision raises serious questions about fairness, transparency and the general integrity of the electoral process. By assuming the role of director of the planning committee, Mr. Norton has placed himself in a position of significant influence over the proceedings of the congress. This creates an inherent conflict of interest and undermines the credibility of the entire election process. It raises questions about the impartiality of decision- making, the integrity of voter registration and accreditation, and the fairness of the overall electoral environment.
In any democratic organisation, it is imperative that electoral processes be conducted with the utmost integrity, impartiality, and transparency to ensure the trust and confidence of members and stakeholders. Allowing a candidate to oversee the very process by which they may be elected is a blatant violation of these principles and undermines the democratic foundation of our party. Also, this decision sends a troubling message about leadership’s commitment to democratic values and principles. It undermines the credibility of our party as a champion of democracy and raises doubts about its ability to uphold fairness and transparency in its internal affairs.
As members of the party, it is our duty to hold our leaders accountable and demand transparency, fairness, and integrity in all aspects of our organizational processes. I urge our leadership to reconsider this decision and ensure that the upcoming party congress is conducted in a manner that upholds the highest standards of democratic principles and practices.
Sincerely,
Michael Pratt
Member of PNC/R
