Ryan Hadeed
The general election is now less than a week away. Both political parties have announced their candidates and released their manifestos; the die is cast. In my column dated July 11, I stated my intention to miss the event by being abroad. However I had a change of heart and decided to remain. But after listening to the nightly rallies, the promises and pipedreams, the rants and ridiculousness, I came to regret that decision. So I still haven't decided whether I will vote or not.
Given the right circumstances, choosing not to vote can be just as important as the act itself. And considering that the electorate is once again faced with the lesser of two evils scenario, then I will feel absolutely comfortable if my decision is to leave my finger unstained. In my mind the UNC stands for Under No Circumstance, and the PNM–Please No More. The lack of appeal leads me to suspect that there is going to be a surprisingly low voter turnout this year; more so than in previous elections.
Let's fast-forward to the morning of September 8. Whichever party wins, and I won't dare hazard a guess as to the final outcome, the next five years are going to be the same as the previous 13. And if anyone here in T&T believes otherwise, then I have some magic beans I'd like to sell them. Nothing is going to change unless our politics changes, and that's not going to change unless our perception of civic responsibility changes.
Until then, we will not only see the perpetuation of rampant corruption, but the continued existence of the oligarchs who benefit from it. Both parties have their financiers and cronies, and they will continue to reward them with favours, placing special interests above public needs.
What we are left with is essentially a caretaker government that believes in pursing mega-projects rather than the development of our existing infrastructure. In order to break this cycle I believe there needs to be a repeat of the opportunity that occurred in 2007 with the formation of the Congress of the People. Though they failed to gain parliamentary representation, they were the third option that we so desperately needed. They have since become a party in name only, and their downfall began after joining the People's Partnership, selling their independence for a handful of electoral seats.
Had they not joined the UNC-led coalition, and instead maintained their identity, I believe that the results of the last election would have been no different. But the very same people who rejected Manning's megalomania in 2010 could end up sending the same message to the Kamla administration.
As a neutral force, adhering to their core principles of "new politics," a COP government could have been a reality this year. Along with the undecided voters, there are enough dissatisfied supporters of the major parties that together could have pulled off an NAR-style victory.
Now more than ever we need an alternative; one with the credibility to not only rally the public's support, but their faith along with it. Both the PNM and the UNC are too entrenched and invested in the racial divisions that define our politics. The tragedy of the COP is that while it was the right idea, the timing was all wrong, and in their rush to the finish they ultimately lost.
A party that forms itself now, spends the interbellum years building itself upon a foundation of transparency and fairness, selects an executive council comprising a mix of fresh minds and wise voices, and crafts a plan to effectively deal with our issues, may have what it takes to win in 2020 and put this country onto a better path.
We should all be thankful to live in a democracy that guarantees us the right, and the choice, to vote. My grandfather came from a country where there was neither.
Whether you choose to vote, and whomever it's for, make sure both are ultimately for the right reasons.