Let us start thinking as optimists and focus on the good.The old folks often say, "You can only make mistakes if you try something. Inaction leads to stagnation and death."We should use our history as a guide for future and see what obtains elsewhere. The constant bickering, infighting, undercurrent, outer-tsunamis will do nothing for us except harm us.
There has been a widespread gloom and doom by those on the political periphery that coalition governance is not tailored for Trinidad and Tobago.England is under a coalition arrangement since 2010 with the amalgamation of different parties. We should look at best practices from them and others across the globe in terms of our realities in moving forward.
Upon political reflection, one would remember that a coalition government was formed in 1995 and lasted the entire duration of its term as allowed under the Constitution, five years. According to Wikipedia, a coalition government is a cabinet of parliamentary government in which several parties co-operate.
A coalition government is typically formed in a time of national difficulty or crisis, for example, disenchantment with the incumbent regime and the need for a viable alternative to the mainstream party.
It should be noted that no political party or figure is infallible and as such the mindset must be that while it is okay for problems or dilemmas to arise, what is more important is how we deal with the problem that surfaces. Instead of heavily engaging in a furore, we should find viable and appropriate channels in which to present our constructive feedback.
Many coalition governments across the globe have experienced ruling longevity because of their observance of certain crucial principles:
(1) Divisive issues are dealt with by all parties openly and transparently;
(2) the establishment and frequent use of cabinet committees and other formal processes by all parties;
(3) formal and effective communication channels must be established and implemented;
(4) the formulation of coalition agreements must be composed and known by all concerned so that senior public servants and politicians are cognisant of the government's objective.
There are countless political parties universally that have joined alliances to govern a country and they have been quite successful.In continents like Africa, we have countries as Kenya, for instance, that saw the assembling and cementing of six political parties to form the government–Party of National Unity, Orange Democratic Movement, Kenya African National Union, Forum for the Restoration of Democracy, United Democratic Movement and the National Rainbow Coalition.
In Brazil, six parties also merged to govern the country and they are: Workers' Party, Brazilian Democratic Movement Party, Progressive Party, Democratic Labour Party, Brazilian Socialist Party, Communist Party of Brazil and Republic Party.
In Europe, there are 32 states/countries that are being governed by coalition forces. In Asia there are 18 countries that are ruled by coalition governments. Examples include Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, Iraq, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Palestine and Timor-Leste. Lebanon and Israel are also examples.
It is against this backdrop that I ask all citizens to seriously consider that with an evolving society such as ours, with citizens possessing intellectual prowess and fortitude through access to the electronic media, tertiary education and access to an influx of external influences, that we realise that coalitions are rapidly becoming a norm.
Citizens are no longer willing to accept the old style of politics of one-party governance or a one-size-fits-all approach. The key to success is to have intellectually stimulating discussions on national issues and policies. This must transpire behind closed doors and when a decision is made it must reflect one that is well thought out and carries one voice.Most importantly, the Prime Minister must always be respected and regarded as the managing director and CEO of the Cabinet.
Deonarine Mahabir,
Karamath Street
El Dorado