opinion

CARICOM moves to integration,
but what about elections?
by Clarence E. Pilgrim

In order to achieve the Caribbean Community's (CARICOM) final objective of political union, there needs to be an environment of public confidence in the functioning of major institutions, especially government. The democratic nations comprising the regional grouping have a specific process in which its leadership is chosen, to govern its people. In its simplest form, it is essentially the use of secret balloting to vote for the candidate of choice, under free and fair conditions.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 21(3) states that: "The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures."

Elections play a vital part of the democratic governance transitions within CARICOM member states. They bring together the political and social dynamics necessary for the maintenance of order, continuity and societal movement. Over the next four years the following CARICOM countries will be making governance decisions:

Country	Head of Government	Next Election
Antigua & Barbuda	Baldwin Spencer	March 2009
St. Kitts & Nevis	Denzil Douglas	October 2009
Dominica	Roosevelt Skerritt	May 2010
Suriname	Ronald Venetiaan	March 2010
St.Vincent & Grenadines	Ralph Gonsalves	March 2010
Haiti	Réne Preval	2011
Guyana	Jagdeo Bharrat	August 2011
St. Lucia	Stevenson King	December 2011
Bahamas	Hubert Ingraham	May 2012

Post-independence experience has shown that one of the benefits of political inclusion of all sectors of society is that it creates a better atmosphere for stability. Exclusion often leads to unrest and even violence.

It is therefore critical to encourage free and fair competition between various political interests through an accepted process, resulting in a choice being made by the voting majority. Sometimes, even the most carefully planned process may not have acceptance by unanimous acclamation.

One very important step towards putting the right infra-structure in place was the decision made at the Conference of Heads of Government in October 1992 to adopt the recommendation of the West Indian Commission for a Charter of Civil Society for the Caribbean Community. In this significant document it states in Article VI, under political rights that:

1. The States shall ensure the existence of a fair and open democratic system through the holding of free elections at reasonable intervals, by secret ballot, underpinned by an electoral system in which all can have confidence and which will ensure the free expression of the will of the people in the choice of their representatives.

2. The States shall take all appropriate measures to promote and maintain an effectively functioning representational system, including the holding of regular public sessions of representatives of the people.

3. Every person shall have the right to:

(a) form a political party or organization;

(b) join a political party or organization of his or her choice;

(c) attend public meetings of political parties or organizations;

(d) participate in the activities of a political party or organization;

(e) give expression to his or her political beliefs in a peaceful manner;

(f) make himself or herself available for nomination for and election to any public office for which he or she qualifies.

4. The provisions of this Article shall not preclude the States from taking measures authorized by their Constitutions to regulate persons employed in the service of the State with respect to their participation in the activities of a political party or organization.

To progress to the next level which leads to political integration --- if this is indeed the will of the majority of citizens living in the Caribbean Community --- will require careful planning and arriving at decisions which involves determining answers to the following questions:

• Will CARICOM retain the British queen as head of state or will it be a more republican form of government with a president?

• What would be the composition of a parliament? How will constituencies be determined?

• Will there be term limits for elected officials?

• Will there be a cap on campaign financing and spending?

• Will the electoral process be based on a system of proportional representation or not?

• Will there be specific qualifications for candidates?

• Where will the seat of government be located?

• What will be the official currency?

The underpinning pillars which foster democracy must be embedded early in any new proposed political system. It therefore becomes a clear and present priority that the answers to the afore-mentioned questions be supplied expeditiously. Any solution to the future mechanics of creating a political union must be built on the rule of law and respect for human rights.

Elections will play an important role, but this can only be effective and credible if national institutions are strengthened to enhance the right conditions for democracy to flourish.

The author is an educator and senior civil servant in Antigua & Barbuda