The Power of Positive Politics

By Clement Wulf-Soulage

THE Saint Lucia general elections have come and gone, the will of the people prevailed, democracy strengthened, and a new ruling party born. The peaceful elections on June 6 and the orderly transition of power thereafter have in large measure created the foundation for a stable political dispensation. Hence, Saint Lucians must be proud of the manner in which they conducted themselves on polling day and for the serenity and quiet reflection that ensued the morning after.

I’m thinking how lucky I am to live in a country free of political violence and post-electoral shenanigans. When we see the post-election violence that has been unleashed in many parts of Africa, Asia and South America, it makes us think of how much we take our own democracy for granted, as often the destruction of a country begins with a dispute over the electoral process or transfer of power. Further, I am particularly impressed by the manner in which the winning party has demonstrated respect for the supporters of the outgoing administration.

Respect is a major requirement for peace; and peace is a major factor that determines a country’s economic growth and stability. I believe it was a good idea by our new Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, not to declare Tuesday a public holiday and to keep the celebrations to a minimum. Now it’s time to take down the billboards and posters, roll up our sleeves and focus on the upside. This means getting behind the issues which unite and affect us all as a people.

As a nation, let’s turn conventional politics on its head by building new relationships, expanding markets and opportunities, strengthening alliances and values. Since the majority of the nation’s voters bought into the recent democratic process, all of its citizens must now have a stake in it.

More fundamentally, after a difficult election like this one, our leaders must seek to unite our heavily polarised country, as it’s only by example can great leaders mold unity and consensus. We have to end the divisive politics that’s ripping this country apart. It’s mean-spirited, it’s petty and it’s gone on for much too long.

A week before the elections, I wrote: “On account of the unfortunate political realities in our nation, the first item on the next PM’s list of priorities will have to be “political reconciliation and national healing”. For there to be any form of national reconciliation and unity, there must be compassionate and courageous political leadership. Only statesmanlike political leadership can address and prevent the usual occurrences of social injustice and discrimination after a hotly contested national election.”

Obviously many people in this country feel they have not been seen or heard enough, or both. We will need a new approach to people empowerment and a different culture of communication (educate the public and make sure they’re informed) – politics that does not focus so much on itself or on publicity but on the real issues, real concerns and fears and even on the anger of some people in this country

We’ll need to work together to make the promise of Saint Lucia available for every one of our citizens. In the final week of the elections, I did notice an increased sense of awareness and optimism among voters (including independents), who felt that their participation would have an impact on their lives and country.

Now it’s time to look beyond the horizon and institute policies to tackle the toxic twosome of economic stagnation and social degradation. The new prime minister has promised to respond to the economic slowdown by easing the nation’s heavy tax burden and stimulating aggregate demand and investment. These are all steps in the right direction.

As I have consistently argued, we’ll need to make more creative use of fiscal policy, despite the present constraints, to stimulate SME business development, export growth and job creation. Currently faced with double-digit unemployment rates, the need to create jobs is one of the major pressures in the economy, just as there remains a need to foster a more suitable environment for the development and sustainability of small businesses. It would also be great to enhance co-operation and communication between the government and the private sector, as the government by itself cannot create sustainable jobs. If government and the private sector can work together and align their policies to improve competitiveness, then we will well be on our way to achieving some measure of economic momentum, and ultimately economic growth.
We need to develop a 10-year plan that will re-look at how resources are distributed and focus on six key issues: national security, the justice system, jobs and the anchoring of value-creating enterprises, health care, poverty and reform of the Constitution. As all politics is local, our new government must commit to building strong communities through effective local government and to improving the infrastructure and appeal of the nation’s commercial centres, especially the nation’s capital.

At a time of rising anxiety among the youth and the onset of signs and symptoms of a broken society, there is no doubt that a bona-fide national conversation needs to be started to identify the circumstances and causes of the social breakdown.

There was obviously a lot of international interest in this year’s elections, as the failure to address human rights issues have resulted in our island being place under greater international scrutiny and pressure. Last year, the United Nations conducted its review of Saint Lucia’s human rights situation and recommended a few measures to strengthen the island’s human rights legislative framework and the establishment of an independent national rights monitoring body. The United Nations has called on Saint Lucia to do more “to further protect women and children from domestic violence, to implement gender equality polices, to adopt legislation prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, and to fully prosecute all perpetrators of sexual and domestic violence.”

At any rate, let’s not lose sight of the fact that an effective government is nurtured by the quality of public service, civil services, the credibility of the government’s commitment to policies and the level of trust the government must enjoy to deliver on policy and promise. The campaign period is over and we now have a new leadership that needs to be supported if it is to deliver on its promises. Now, the only way to “conserve our country’s promise” is if our country unites around the principles and values espoused in its national anthem and pledge, and applies them to current problems. It’s time to find common ground and build consensus to make the country a beacon of opportunity. That’s what Canada’s PM Justin Trudeau has called “the power of positive politics”.

For comments, write to [email protected] – Clement Wulf-Soulage is a Management Economist, Published Author and Former University Lecturer.