Despite some polls held showing an advantage to the opposition, it is pertinent to discuss what are the attributes one should look for in any party that wishes to lead the country. There is disillusionment with both the national parties. We have also seen the problems in the kind of coalitions that have been tried and the problems of such 'marriages'. It is also agreed that the country now has a large percentage of young, middle class voters who aspire for growth, who are perhaps disappointed with the present lot of politicians and the manner in which parties function.
1.The first requisite is that any national party to lead effectively will need a unified or single, strong command. External centres of control or a division between the party leadership and the executive function has and will fail.They should have clear declared policy on economic issues, foreign matters etc
2. Clear objectives and vision statements on all issues is very important. The principal issues facing the country are its economy and external relations esp with our neighbours, inclusive growth and internal security.
3. Any growth plan must be inclusive and help every sector of the country- rural and urban. The rural plan must include improved infrastructure such as power, water, as well as the social sectors of health and education. Urban planning , higher education and skills training will be needed for the urban middle class.
4. Anger and punishment alone against corruption is not enough. Systemic changes in procedures which do not encourage or allow corrupt practices is vital.
5, Our judicial system has to be revamped to give honest, fair and quick redressal of cases.
6.Candidates with criminal records should not be allowed by law to contest till their innocence is proved.
7. Elected members who swear by the Constitution should also specifically declare that they will not obstruct by unruly methods the functioning of the Parliament or Legislature or face suspension or even disqualification on repetition of such acts. On days that the house is so obstructed all members should not only lose their allowance for the day but also a fine should be imposed on the members who cause such adjournments.
8.We should have a reserved quota of some experts belonging to no party for assisting on technical matters. Such outstanding persons may also be inducted into Cabinet and allowed to work without any party affiliation.
9. There should be accountability for bureaucrats right form the lowest level to the highest both for working within rules and within timelines. They should be adequately rewarded for good and prompt action as well as face dismissal for non performance. The review of their work must be out of the hands of politicians.
It is not just honesty bit commitment to serve the country should be the primary condition that the electorate should look for. Party hoppers at the time of election should not be given tickets. No dynastic succession should be accepted unless there is proven ability and work.
Let the huge population of freshly eligible voters both urban and rural not be swayed by mere party affiliation but on the merit of each candidate. Let the best man win!
What we need is a single national party to govern with a declared policy and to avoid the influence of regional parties in a coalition. We need capable leaders at the national level and not good regional leaders with a poor record on all issues.2014 elections will be critical for the country and we need a party with strong credentials and not just based on "personal attacks" and no clear policy.
1.The first requisite is that any national party to lead effectively will need a unified or single, strong command. External centres of control or a division between the party leadership and the executive function has and will fail.They should have clear declared policy on economic issues, foreign matters etc
2. Clear objectives and vision statements on all issues is very important. The principal issues facing the country are its economy and external relations esp with our neighbours, inclusive growth and internal security.
3. Any growth plan must be inclusive and help every sector of the country- rural and urban. The rural plan must include improved infrastructure such as power, water, as well as the social sectors of health and education. Urban planning , higher education and skills training will be needed for the urban middle class.
4. Anger and punishment alone against corruption is not enough. Systemic changes in procedures which do not encourage or allow corrupt practices is vital.
5, Our judicial system has to be revamped to give honest, fair and quick redressal of cases.
6.Candidates with criminal records should not be allowed by law to contest till their innocence is proved.
7. Elected members who swear by the Constitution should also specifically declare that they will not obstruct by unruly methods the functioning of the Parliament or Legislature or face suspension or even disqualification on repetition of such acts. On days that the house is so obstructed all members should not only lose their allowance for the day but also a fine should be imposed on the members who cause such adjournments.
8.We should have a reserved quota of some experts belonging to no party for assisting on technical matters. Such outstanding persons may also be inducted into Cabinet and allowed to work without any party affiliation.
9. There should be accountability for bureaucrats right form the lowest level to the highest both for working within rules and within timelines. They should be adequately rewarded for good and prompt action as well as face dismissal for non performance. The review of their work must be out of the hands of politicians.
It is not just honesty bit commitment to serve the country should be the primary condition that the electorate should look for. Party hoppers at the time of election should not be given tickets. No dynastic succession should be accepted unless there is proven ability and work.
Let the huge population of freshly eligible voters both urban and rural not be swayed by mere party affiliation but on the merit of each candidate. Let the best man win!
What we need is a single national party to govern with a declared policy and to avoid the influence of regional parties in a coalition. We need capable leaders at the national level and not good regional leaders with a poor record on all issues.2014 elections will be critical for the country and we need a party with strong credentials and not just based on "personal attacks" and no clear policy.
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