Without entering into the pros and cons of an electoral system which could facilitate the entry of new movements/parties into the national stage, looking at the present situation pragmatically, it must be acknowledged that the scenario of having two main political parties is very difficult to dislodge. Taking this as a given, before making any criticism of the national political climate, one must look at the formation and organisation of the two main political parties and how these are serving the national interest.

The two main political parties have statutes which reflect and are based on democratic principles of choice and representation. The rank and file of both parties and, particularly, the delegates with voting powers in the general conference/congress, are vested by these same statutes with the power, if wielded responsibly, to ensure that it is individuals with credentials of ethical and political correctness and, above all, honesty, integrity and loyalty who are presented to the public for eventual representation thereof.

In this respect, the individuals at the top of the party structure, in leadership and administrative positions, and party candidates in elections must be chosen with due care and diligence.

This onus on the party rank and file cannot be underestimated. Interference from any quarter in this process of due diligence, which should be exercised by each and every individual having voting powers, not least from persons holding positions of influence in the party structure, only serves to obstruct the freedom of choice that should be at the basis of every vote in any structure, be it partisan or national, whether at local or at national level. Furthermore, party members and delegates are the nearest link the parties have to the electorate and, hence, the most competent to represent the values, hopes and aspirations of the people. Any meddling with this process can only be short-sighted.

This reasoning is based on the belief that the majority of the rank and file, who voluntarily give of their time and energy to sustain party structures, are honest law-abiding citizens who choose to do so because they genuinely believe that the party structure they contribute to is the one best suited to govern in the national interest.

Saluting all those people, past, present and future, who unstintingly dedicate a part of their lifespan to the common good.