We talk about democracy and the return of democracy that was restored after October 5, 1992 after the success of the PPP/C at the national and regional elections. Whenever the President and the ministers of government address a gathering for any reason, you can bet your last penny that the word democracy would be used several times and the year 1992 would be mentioned repeatedly.
The Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) residents of various communities were led to believe that they would have been the ones to choose the group of persons to run the affairs of the community.
Sad to say, in reality this does not happen in many communities. Long before the last elections as well as since then this has been evident, much to the annoyance of the people.
While I must concede that Section 13 of the Local Government Act, Chapter 28:02, ‘Power of Minister to act as Local Authority,‘ gives the minister sweeping powers to the extent that, if all the councillors voted for or against a proposal, the minister if he/she so desires can instruct that NDC to do otherwise or to carry out the wishes of the minister.
If the NDC fails to do so then it can be replaced by persons the minister chooses. Under the Act, every action taken by the council is subject to the approval of the minister.
But if we are going to talk about any level of democracy or the authority of the people at the grass roots level, the importance of including them and having meaningful consultation with them, then the sweeping powers that still reside with the minister should be in the people’s possession.
Under Section 32 of the Local Democratic Organs Act 1980 (No 12 of 1980) ‘Delegation of Functions to the Regional Democratic Council‘ (RDC); Sections 42, 43, 52, 54, 55, 100, 103, 106, 140 of the Local Government Act Chapter 28:02 and the District By-Laws Section 46, all of the authority that was given or delegated to the RDC of course by the minister has been taken back by him, and in so doing compromised the RDC, the council that the people in the region elected to run the affairs of the region.
The big question is where is this democracy that the Minister so often boasts about? That is why local government reform then local government elections are so important and must be dealt with as early as possible.
Yours faithfully,
Archie W Cordis
AFC Councillor
Region 2
