More on the coalition some other time. Right now a lot of what we are hearing is about the responsibilities of the government-elect. We all voted for our respective candidates based on (i hope) what they offered for the future of our nation. Based on what they promised to do - on the responsibilities and obligations that they have assumed unto themselves.
That said; what about us? What responsibilities do we have in developing and nurturing our young and emerging democracy? A lot - in fact so much so that if I were to write about what comes to my mind, I'll be blogging on it indefinitely.
One issue I would like to highlight here is the importance of due process and our responsibility to keep tabs on the government thus holding it accountable.
In my opinion, one of the many reasons for the downfall of the Gayyoom lead government was its inability to be accountable for its actions. A system of accountability had not been in place over the many years and when, over the past few years measures came into force to hold the government accountable, it seemed to have overwhelmed a top brass who were not used to 'being accountable' as such.
One very simple illustration for it would be the reactions from the various departments to the reports published by the president appointed-parliament approved independent auditor general. The issues highlighted in the relevant audit reports were fact-based. In response, rather than giving any explanation or stating measures taken to rectify the issues; the departments chose to either attack the Auditor General (AG) and/or the methodology of the report culminating on the attempt by 'ruling' parties to remove the AG. More on that later.
Back to the point. It is essential for any society to have faith and trust in its government. Ultimately, it is up to us the people to build that trust and faith. Is it after all, the actions of us the people that break the trust we have in our government. Do we still continue to bribe the mid level government official to get/speed up any permits that we need or do we demand due process?
When Dr. Hassan was in government, I remember him saying that rights are not 'delivered on a plate' and that rights are 'given' to people who fight for it. I say its the same with due process. We have to demand for due process in every aspect of governance. If we do not we will continue to 'gift' the mid level official for years to come.
It is not only the governments responsibility to ensure that issues such as this are teethed out but equally or perhaps even more importantly, it is up to us the people to ensure that we demand for due process thus ensuring full accountability of our government.
More to come...
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2 comments:
Accountability - absolutely none existent in the outgoing government. I don't think they even heard that word in politics, let alone their ability to comprehend it. Now we the people must keep check on this govt huh?
Good article. Looking forward for more on AG...
interesting article. I would liek to add that a responsible media plays a very improtant role in keeping the public well informed and government in check. My worry is the financing muscle provided by businesses for politicians - is campaign financing provided with the good intention of country at heart or is there a bottom line of ROI? I really worry that people like Gasim and ADK Nashid are so involved in politics aspiring for even higher power. We should learn from the Gayoom governments abuses and work to prevent big businesses ruling the country.
A businessman told me today that the gayoom government was brought down by 'big business' so that they could exploit a 'politically weak' new president!
-PE
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