The political season is fast approaching, here in Anguilla. Some may say it never ended, but the Anguilla United Movement’s (AUM’s) announcement of its slate of candidates on Tuesday, 16th October, 2018 signals the start of a more intense period of politicking. The Anguilla United Front (AUF) is also signaling its preparations for the approaching political season as it will, on Saturday, 27th October and Sunday 28th October, 2018, be holding its Annual Party Convention. At this convention it is expected that there will be the election of officers to serve on the Party Executive.
The Anguillian, in its usual bid to engage with the Anguillian populace on topical and meaningful issues, in two fairly recent editorials, touched on issues relevant to the selection of our political leaders. In the editorial of 15th June, 2018, the need for persons to prepare themselves to assume leadership positions was noted. In the second editorial, of 6th July, 2018, it was suggested that an informed electorate is the answer.
With the announcement by the AUM of its slate of candidates, and with the upcoming AUF Party Convention, it is considered fitting to republish significant portions of both editorials. The relevant portions of the editorial of 15th June, which identifies desired qualities in a country’s leader, are set out below.
We Deserve Better
“When are we going to demand more from the people who represent us? When are we going to send the message that people must be qualified, yes qualified, to lead? Many people would argue that “education is not all” – maybe not – but it certainly counts for more than 50% of the requirements in my view.”
“It is not enough for candidates to be loudmouthed. They must take steps to prepare themselves for leadership of the country – inclusive of a good understanding of the complexities of diplomacy, the art of negotiation and a sound knowledge of governance and international relations. They must be intelligent communicators well versed in world affairs and how these can potentially impact Anguilla. I am hoping that persons interested in elected office have been using the time since the last election to prepare to lead. Simply bashing and criticizing everything the current Government is doing, or seeking to undermine its efforts, is not preparation. What is required is that persons focus on self-improvement so that, in 2020, they can present themselves to the electorate as more viable options.”
As the political parties unveil their candidates and independent candidates announce their candidacy we, the informed electorate, must judge their readiness for leadership of Anguilla. As stated in the 6th July Editorial an informed electorate is the answer. Sections of that editorial are set out below.
An Informed Electorate is the Answer
“In less than two years Anguilla’s General Elections will again be constitutionally due. As the date for elections approaches it often appears as if all sense of reason is lost, both on the part of the incumbent government and the parties or individuals seeking to unseat the incumbents. This invariably leads to a state of chaos among the electorate which many persons feel may actually be the desire of most persons seeking elected office.”
“The general failure of persons seeking elected office to demonstrate sound reasoning abilities, on the eve of elections, often results in essential policies being subjected to unhelpful and potentially destructive criticism, or in much needed projects and initiatives being derailed because the success of the project would make a particular political party or individual look good, on the eve of elections.”
“Both the electorate and those vying for elected office have roles to play if we are to replace the rhetoric experienced in previous elections with meaningful dialogue. The electorate must seek and understand the facts surrounding the functioning of Government and its current and future plans, and elected officials must aspire to such high ethical standards that they will not intentionally mislead the electorate and will seek information so as to first understand issues, and then secondly communicate accurately with the electorate on such issues. I believe that if meaningful change is to be seen in the dialogue between the electorate and those vying for office, in the next general elections, greater reliance must be placed on the electorate to arm itself with a proper understanding of the government’s operations and initiatives. Sadly, individuals vying for elected office are likely, despite their best intentions, to revert to deceptive practices or to formulating and communicating positions that are not based on evidence, just to ensure success at the polls. The only thing standing between politicians and these harmful practices is a thinking and well researched electorate.”
“The stage is being set for the electorate to demand higher standards of discourse from those seeking elected office. The stage will, however, only be complete when the electorate demands more of itself. Will the electorate actively seek the information which will allow it to challenge the electoral candidates from an informed position? This is a question each person, who makes up the electorate, must answer for him or herself.”
Only an informed electorate can successfully discern whether persons seeking elected office are equipped to assume the leadership of Anguilla. When will we see the day when all candidates seeking elected office are so well qualified that it is merely a question of which one is best suited to assume the leadership mantle, rather than a question of whether he or she is at all qualified to assume that role? The answer lies with the electorate.
