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Momodou
Denmark
11778 Posts |
 Posted - 01 Feb 2007 : 01:10:19
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Foroyaa Editorial:
THE ABC OF GOVERNANCE IN A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY
“No Taxation Without Representation” was the outcry of the forces for national liberation and independence. Representation was linked to taxation to ensure that there is transparency and accountability in handling public resources.
When it became evident that there can be divergent views on how a society is governed political parties emerged to seek the mandate of the people.
Those who are given a mandate to manage the affairs of society take charge and those who are not given the mandate serve as watchdogs of how they govern. In this way the society is kept informed on how their affairs are managed and is further guaranteed an alternative source of representation.
The role of the opposition in a democratic society is to serve as an effective tool to monitor how a country is governed and serve as an alternative if those who govern fail to meet the expectation of the people.
In a functioning democratic society one expects to find a balance in power between the opposition and the ruling party in the main oversight institution called parliament, National Assembly or Congress.
In emerging democracies where opposition parties are weak governments prove their commitment to transparent and accountable governance by respecting the freedom of expression of the citizenry especially the right to a free media.
In South Africa, for example, no representative dare to act with impunity because of fear of exposure by the media.
Needless to say, scrutiny of representatives can also be effected by civil society groups such as trade unions and other associations.
The problem with the Gambia is that the institutions of representation are still too weak to effect the necessary checks or scrutiny on governance.
The media depend largely on reporting what is known instead of what it derived from investigation. Civil society organisations are still spectators of the democratic process rather than participants in building democratic institutions.
The Gambia is a society wanting to discover the true meaning of democracy and good governance. Now that we have elected a president and members of the National Assembly, Foroyaa will be keenly following their words and actions to see whether the next five years will be marked by restoration of the autonomy of the councils and the non interference with the mandate of their elected representatives; whether the security to tenure of public servants will be guaranteed; whether the National Assembly will check all violations of the constitution and abuse of power; whether bills shall be scrutinized and passed without fear or favour affection or ill will; whether a freedom of information act will be passed to enable the media access to what is now considered confidential information; whether civil society will become vibrant to enable women to come out fully to contest elections than hope to get appointments.
Will Gambian democracy grow or will it further degenerate into the mere contest for office every five years only to end up with an uncritical mass that thrives on praise singing and begging for a life time? Will the sovereign Gambian emerge to be the architect of a new destiny or refuse to emerge and promote hopelessness, poverty and mediocrity in managing our affairs?
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 012/2007, 31st January – 2nd February, 2007
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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