A balance in Parliament
published: Wednesday | June 18, 2003
THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE LAST general elections created in this country a balance in Parliament which has never before been seen. This is a positive occurrence considering that in moving forward, the country has to be more united and focused, instead of being sharply divided along political lines. Of a total 60 seats, the PNP polled 34, and the JLP 26. Whereas the government still holds a clear margin, it is certainly better than what previously existed where government outnumbered opposition by 4 to 1, thereby giving them an almost monopoly in parliament.
With the Local Government elections around the corner, we are presented with yet another opportunity to neutralise the political polarity that still exists. This means that a victory by the opposition would contain the power of government even more, and give the people greater authority over the affairs of the country. The government would therefore be forced to seek consensus on issues of national importance and abandon their current autocratic approach.
When going into the Local Government elections, this is something for people to consider seriously. It would certainly let the Prime Minister think twice before saying "Fah-get it"; to the call for a referendum on such a critical issue as the Caribbean Court of Justice.
