Dear Editor,
Mr Ramjattan’s announcement of the willingness of the AFC to lead a political alliance in a pro-democracy drive may be both encouraging and confusing. In fact, Mr Ramjattan’s whole presentation brings to the fore a problem which must be addressed if Guyana is to move forward, namely, the general tendency of some politicians to mix up national ideals with partisan political goals. Progressive Guyanese will agree that while political parties may be the vehicle of reform, the collective, common interest of all citizens remains the driver of that vehicle. Therefore, all politicians may be well advised to place their ambitions in the back seat.
Editor, whenever I hear the term, ‘pro-democracy,’ particular ideals come to mind. I think of constitutional reform, construction and strengthening of democratic structures, the rule of law, and empowerment of ordinary citizens, among others. The term, as used by academics, is widely understood to have idealistic connotations, not partisan ones. And I am quite certain that whoever started using the term recently in Guyana’s context had similar intent. Mixing up the ideals of democratic change with the goals of political parties is counterproductive for many reasons. Firstly, it may confuse or alienate educated Guyanese, who may have cause to wonder if some politicians really know what they are talking about. Or, it may give rise to speculation that a politician is deliberately trying to obscure the issues. The latter may result in Guyanese questioning the sincerity or motivation of some leaders.
Secondly, mixing up the goal of democratic reform with political agendas may cause persons who have no particular party affiliation to feel left out. I have no doubt that there are patriotic Guyanese in every political party, including the PPP. I am equally sure that there are individuals and groups which may want to be part of a pro-democracy movement, but who have no desire for party affiliation. Since it is important that all Guyanese be encouraged to get aboard the democracy bandwagon, it is vital that progressive leaders avoid associating patriotism with particular party support. Instead, leaders must encourage all Guyanese, regardless of affiliation, to support democratic change.
There is also a political reason for leaders to keep the two ideas separate from each other. Guyanese will agree that reform will not begin until the PPP dictatorship is removed from office. Therefore, from a political standpoint, it makes sense for politicians to frame their appeals for support in the widest possible terms. This is the only way that opposition parties can hope to win the support of politically undecided Guyanese, or get crossover votes from the PPP. Politicians would be aware too, of the narrow margin of votes between the ruling party and combined opposition entities.
Editor, the winning of undecided and crossover voters raises another matter which politicians must bear in mind. A citizen may be politically undecided for one of two reasons: he may either be well informed about national and political issues, but unsure of which party deserves his support; or, he may be politically uninformed. In the first instance, a leader would have to convince the citizen of the superiority of his party’s agenda. In the second case the leader would need to inform and educate the citizen. But in both cases, the leader would need to cause the citizen to take one cognitive step: the citizen must adopt the party.
On the other hand, attracting crossover votes requires that the voter take two cognitive steps. The voter must first abandon his previous party allegiance, then adopt a new political cause. All the more reason for politicians to be clear in their own thinking and pronouncements.
Editor, a pro-democracy drive is not a partisan affair or a political option. Instead, considering Guyana’s situation it is a national necessity. The promotion of democratic ideals, empowerment of citizens and the construction of transparent systems of governance have no relationship with which party leads an electoral alliance. With this in mind progressive leaders may wish to avoid putting a partisan face on democratic reform. Instead, they must push the pro-democracy agenda, while leaving the party flags at party headquarters.
Yours faithfully,
Mark DaCosta
