Real political reform may be too difficult

Calls for political reform tend to focus on reducing the number of MPs but according to some that may not be where the priority lies.
Public complaint with politicians is not so much about their numbers but their behaviour which at times borders on sheer arrogance. Unacceptable behaviour by politicians are such actions as;
- being selected on the basis of promises that cannot be kept and with the backing of family votes,
- promising jobs to family and friends and interfering with Public Service procedures surrounding appointments to ensure friends and family are appointed,
- refusing to accept there are rules and procedures governing their actions,
- continuing in their normal employment while drawing an MPs salary thus not devoting their full time to MP’s work,
- failing to convene parliament regularly,
- failing to publicly report on government’s performance in a wide range of fields.
The priorities then where reform is concerned are to;
1. improve candidate selection procedures and requirements,
2. stop political interference in the operations of the Public Service,
3. ensure MPs are held accountable for their actions and publicly report on actions taken,
4. educate voters especially new voters, to exercise their vote as they see fit and not as the head of a family may direct.
Selection of suitable candidates is essential if the caliber and standard of MPs is to improve. Parties should select people who have above average intelligence, know the difference between right and wrong, know what is publicly acceptable where expenditure of public funds is concerned, can speak clearly and properly, can write and communicate well, have no huge debts, are not beholding to find friends and family employment in the public service.
Systems must be changed so that MPs cannot influence, tamper with or interfere with the operations of the Public Service. All Public Servants including HOMs should be responsible to the Public Service Commissioner only. Political appointments must end.
Rules of behaviour must be put in place to ensure MPs can be called to account for their actions. Many MPs attend important meetings but fail to inform the public what they achieved. The public is kept in the dark on many important issues.
There must be an end to “block” voting where large families all vote for a single candidate. Voters must vote for who they feel are best qualified to serve them. Education is the key. Some MPs are able to influence Cabinet decisions because their families’ votes are crucial.
The main aim should not be to reduce the number of MPs, rather, the main aim should be to stop depopulation and begin attracting people back home. If the population increases then more MPs will be needed not less. It is ridiculous to keep tampering with the Constitution every time the population changes. Leave the number at 24 and make a big effort to get people coming back. Reducing the number of MPs is only admitting defeat where depopulation is concerned. Get those MPs we have now working better and change their systems so they do work better.
Cabinet, at six Ministers, is far too small. It is ridiculous that the DPM should have more than 10 portfolios. The number of Ministers should be increased to around 10 and spread the workload. Get Ministers focused on less portfolios so they can do a better, more efficient job.
Young voters voting for the first time should attend meetings and ask the candidates what they have to offer. If the answer is not satisfactory, then why waste your vote on that candidate? It is not intelligent to cast your valuable vote for people who are not going to meet your expectations.
Reducing the number of MPs does not put any real pressure on political parties. Forcing them to alter the systems which allow them to travel extensively overseas for no apparent benefit to the country, collect an MP’s salary while continuing in their normal business, doing practically no select committee work, rarely meeting to debate Bills, enjoying numerous allowances- now that is more difficult. Achieve some changes in these areas and then that would constitute real reform.

Headlines : Times 290 02 March 2009
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