Uplifting Mauritian Politics
By Chetan Ramchurn (Jeunesse Militante)
Out of ideological vacuity stems the loss of ideas and the deprivation of a clear sense of direction. All historically relevant parties have undergone this ‘wilderness’ phase; not too sure whether they can still connect with the people they purport to defend. The pathway for leftist movements in Mauritius should revolve around abandoning the old thinking and start with internal reforms. The latter will ultimately set the bases for the essence that shall differentiate one manifesto from another.
A return to idealism is what we need if we wish to make a marked difference in our country. Our greatest challenge, as politicians, will be the achieving of transparency and accountability and the symbolising of change. Several measures, such as those singled out below, could be introduced that would allow parties to demonstrate their commitment to their own values.
The Answers
The elimination of nominations within parties: All those who aspire to rise through the ranks in politics must be able to show their mettle in terms of ideas and ideals. Having debates and primaries for any position, excluding the honorary ones, would help increase the interest of people in what Blair terms “the pursuit of noble causes.” This would help greatly in showing that parties are conscious of the need to impart equal opportunities to their own members.
Break the ‘jeu d’alliances’ frame of mind: One of the most polluting features of the domestic political spectrum could be eliminated through bipartisanship. Two blocks representing different ideological perspectives with a well structured set of values would offer their respective programmes to voters. The main issue would be to classify parties on the right or left of the political spectrum, such has been the blurring of values over the years. In all fairness, whether in a bipartisan model or the present one, parties would be well advised to equip themselves with a real sense of mission instead of looking for easier routes to power.
Allow new views to emerge: Limiting the number of mandates and roles for members of a party would allow the regeneration of ideas on a more sustained basis. What has happened over the years, beyond the sombre tragedy of “la lutte des places”, is the absence of people who think differently within one same party. The MMM, for instance empowers its militans with a droit de tendance which has granted the party since 1969 a myriad of solutions to problems at hand.
Broadening exchanges and mindsets: Another damning influence on politics has been the lack of ideas coming from wider sources. This could be curbed through the greater involvement of trade unions, consumer-protection groups, entrepreneurs, academics and business leaders amongst others. This will also demand the greater acceptance that we need to move beyond conflicts where employers are pitched against their workers, public clashes with private and different strata of the economic rungs are told at election time to view the other one as wishing to impede on its rights. In the same frame of mind is the understanding that capitalism, when limited to profits and not extended to domination, is needed for a country’s greater prosperity.
Unflinching rejection of corruption and racism: Another facet of diseased politics is the patience showed to people that have been found guilty of bribery or of stirring racial hatred. This tolerance of the intolerable is a direct result of an overtly blinkered view of politics; one that puts party above country, convenience above convictions and wins above sincerity and honesty. Indeed, few are those who, like De Chazal, could overstand that one can come out of a defeat as an enhanced human being.
Do not stay idle. Think, Communicate and Promise: This is a country crying for bold changes in public services, means of production, fairness and justice, the right to information and protection of liberties, social mobility and housing amongst others. Serious parties would delve on creating a new society that would be better for Mauritians; the many not the few. After having carried out the thinking process, the communication process would then start, and more importantly a pledge made to the people.
The onus is on Mauritians to reject the present archaic way of doing politics. The time for modernity is now my fellow citizens.
0 comments:
Post a Comment