THERE WILL BE a general election in Barbados no later than March 2013 and, given the preparation and level of activity by the major political parties, it is clear that both the ruling Democratic Labour Party and the opposition Barbados Labour Party want to be the one to form the next administration.
As both parties, and perhaps other smaller groups, independent politicians and political activists, take to the hustings in their efforts to highlight whose programmes are better to carry the island forward, it will be a costly exercise for both individual candidates and the parties.
Given what political leaders have said in the past, the parties can be left in a precarious financial situation following an election. It raises the question: Who will foot the bill?
While many promises will be made by the political parties, there is one request that the electorate must make of both political parties and the individuals seeking political office. It is for a commitment to campaign financing reform, which is fundamental to good governance, integrity, transparency and accountability which are key to strengthening our democracy.
Following recent general elections in Jamaica, Guyana and St Lucia, there have been suggestions for campaign financing reforms. In the Turks and Caicos, a Political Activities Ordinance law has been enacted setting out how parties should finance themselves, along with the requirement for an accounting of the money raised.
If there is to be reform in this crucial area in Barbados, then it will require the goodwill and determination of the political parties themselves and an even greater role for the Electoral and Boundaries Commission as well as greater advocacy by civil society for this cause.
We recognize that secret contributions have been highlighted by international agencies as perhaps the greatest impediment to free and fair elections across the world, as something leading to grave consequences in politics.
Some of these contributors have sought to control political parties and their governments by getting them to grant favours and make policies for special interests. In Jamaica some of the leading private sector firms have publicly stated what they have given to the political parties there, an important first step.
Perhaps we need to consider a number of questions in Barbados as we look at this issue. Should the state fund political parties and campaigns or should there be a match of public and private funds?
Should private companies and individuals who contribute to political parties be publicly listed? Should we limit contributions from outside the island?
Should there be specific guidelines on use of campaign funds and expenditure limits?
Our political parties need to speak about and commit to campaign financing reform leading up to and during the forthcoming campaign.