While he admits to being unperturbed by the political conflicts facing the People's Partnership Government, Congress of the People (COP) leader Winston Dookeran is indecisive on whether he will seek re-election in the party's imminent internal elections. Referring to the swirl of scandal engulfing the Government Dookeran said: "We're in a new experience in politics and conflicts are an essential part of the new political arrangement as you confront the old with the new. It's part of the process. "I think we need to do a little more to ensure we get a greater sense of the application of these principles of good governance.
"I am not perturbed by it. I see this as part of the process of the conflict of change," Dookeran said in response to a question on his view of the Government's one-year performance. He spoke with journalists at his office yesterday. He admitted there was need for the Government and State enterprises to collaborate and communicate more. In this regard, he said, his ministry had been providing coaching and guidelines for the enterprises. "We have not dealt with it as fast as we should but I think a new Government coming in has to be given some time," he said. Questioned on whether he was satisfied COP's foundation principles-of transparency and good governance-were running through the Government, Dookeran said: "I think the foundation principles of good governance have been embraced.
"What I think has happened is that we are working, creating a system in an environment that is old, so you're going to have conflicts. You're going to see every so often, the old methods re-appearing. But you have to deal with it, as we are dealing with it. "The supply of good Government depends on the demand of good Government and people are demanding good Government. Supply has to respond to it. It won't change overnight," he added. Dookeran said he would address the issue of party leadership soon but said it was an issue that only had come on the agenda recently. "The party will decide who's fit for office," he said.
Dookeran's leadership is being challenged by Sports Minister Anil Roberts. Roberts already has launched a scathing campaign, attacking Dookeran's governance style as well as COP member and former planning minister Mary King's firing over corruption allegations. The COP election is scheduled for July 3.