Party Politics – will it survive this election?

At a time when Pacific nations are struggling to come to grips over leadership and governance issues, the government continues to ignore the plight of its people at the expense of individual political survival. The growing trend is that people want change and the Cook Islands is no different.
What puts us above our neighbouring Pacific nations however, is our ability to be fierce and destructive during campaign time on the one extreme but god fearing and family oriented on the other. These 2 extremities have often created huge divides amongst individuals, families, communities, organizations and even nations but often once the elections are over, a sense of normality returns.
But in the name of survival, we often accede to the notion that “that’s politics.” Whether that analogy is true or not begs a number of questions while at the same time, poses a number of concerns that ultimately affects the future of every man, woman and child in this beautiful island nation we call paradise.
There is however an ugly side to the political paraphernalia during campaign time and that is the personal attacks on individuals and political parties. The exposure of weaknesses in campaigning on policy and personal issues involving families has no place during campaign time and it is important that political party leaders take heed of these behavioural issues if they intend to win with respect, confidence and dignity.
Right now, the 2 major political parties are demonstrating that they certainly have a lot more convincing to do to assure the people of the Cook Islands that they have the capability let alone the leadership to govern this nation post elections.
Based on current performance, neither party stands out as being predominant in the political arena with trends showing that potential voters no longer trust “party politics” opting to support individuals rather than the party machinery.
Norman George is absolutely right when he talks of being wary regarding proposed reforms because it is questionable as to who will actually benefit from these reforms. This is not to say that we agree entirely with the rest of his comments but the spirit and nature of his concerns do merit consideration.
For the time being, one can expect political favouritisms such as potential job offers, incentives and even promises of work to be carried out privately to entice the voting public in lieu of preferential treatment. The fact that government is presently positioning itself in terms of confirming appointments to senior positions within the Public Service indicates the extremes it will go to, in order to position itself politically.
This leaves the Public Service wide open to criticism and also questions the neutrality of the Commissioner and the Service should they be seen to be supportive of “political appointments” at this crucial time 2 months prior to a general election.
Whatever the perception, it is clear that people are pushing for change. What type of change is envisaged is beyond anyone’s radar at this time as the traditional notion of policy appears to take a back seat in preference to individual personalities.
Maybe the time has come to confront party politics and to challenge the validity of their intent because the previous track record of political parties come election time in terms of keeping to their promises is seemingly poor. Political parties have made too many promises they can’t keep but the general public have woken up to this ploy and will not be duped anymore into “buying into this process.”
Our people deserve a lot more credit and commitment from whoever governs this country post election so perhaps there is a new dawning in line for political parties and on the extreme, the end of the line for them if reformists have anything to do with it on election day. Perhaps this is the wake up call needed to inject some life into an otherwise quiet and boring election!

Herald Issue 463 10 June
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- Budget will decide if residents prosecute Government over landfill
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- Budget 2010 – fiasco or disaster?