Gambians are puzzled by the manner our politicians conduct in matters of public affairs. On the whole it is hard to pick where policy instruments are utilised and where personal discretion over- rides. It is hard to judge the conduct and utterances of our politicians when we don't have the tools to determine rules and regulations governing not only their conduct of public affairs but also how our politicians relate to us as a public they claim to be serving.
There is reason to believe that we have two contrasting situations existing in one and the same case. One of it is that there are no policies guiding our politicians in their conduct of public affairs. Even if there may be policies then such policies are being wrecked by blatant disregard to obey policy provisions by our very politicians be they ruling party or opposition politicians. The other is that overwhelming possible political crisis has gripped the nation beyond redemption.
For us to make sense of ourselves even if we are not able to make sense of the misconduct of our politicians it helps if we consider dealing with policy issues. That will help us measure the conduct of our politicians and to know if they go by policy orders or simply conduct public duties in coarse adhoc manner. To regulate the conduct of our politicians policy instruments will serve better. Without such tools as policy provides misconduct of public figures is here to stay. Each time we hear a party leader dishing out raw cash to communities as show of appreciation we have to ask if it is based on policy or passion for winning minds. We can compare our various political parties by debating their policies and how much those policies appeal to our standard of best practice in political persuasion. Without sound policy political crisis is inevitable.
Politicians are all the same I am told that there is a political scandal in the UK now over politicians who have recieved money for their campaigns and not told thouse regulators who they should have told.
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
Because politicians act one way when looking for votes and then another way once on payroll it makes sense for the population to care about matters of public affairs.
In the case of UK Labour Party politicians on the donations scandals there is ample media exposure. If there is anything to suggest that policies are being flawed those responsible get exposed and made to face it. A political conduct (particularly in public matters) is questionable to an extent that parts of policies or whole policy being affected. What obtains in Gambia is a situation where the population is not asking what policies are in place and how standards are upheld. That is a difference and the BIG ISSUE as that.
thanks karamba for this interesting topic. we have mainly been debating issues from sentimental points of view .our collective energies should be properly directed and focused on policy and strategies. our government just happen to be doing things according what the day deem fit. they hardly have any relevant policy to go by. in most profession in the world ,issues are dealth with through certain set standards and principles.this standards dictate what the policies should be. no one can start making wide claims without due consultation. the time as come to focus on policy matters and take our despecable government to task. ajaramah mowdo .
Surah- Ar-Rum 30-22 "And among His signs is the creation of heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge." Qu'ran
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Posted - 19 Jan 2008 : 13:22:57
