AN IMPORTANT REGIONAL FORUM staged by the Organization of American States (OAS) and which dealt with Strengthening Regulation of Political Parties and Political Financing Systems in the Caribbean took place in Barbados last week.
It may have gone largely unnoticed, but it was significant if only given the public debate on the role of money in the February 21 general elections.
At that conference, OAS secretary general, Jose Miguel Insulza called for greater equity and transparency in the systems of political financing in this region.
He made the valid points that these provisions were necessary “not only for the consolidation of free and fair elections but for the strengthening of democracy” and that it was “undeniable that money can introduce important distortions to the democratic process”.
Insulza’s concerns are no different from those raised by civil society, religious leaders and even politicians across Barbados concerning certain aspects of our elections this year. The outcry was loudest about the uncharacteristic events reported to have taken place on election day.
Millions of dollars are clearly being spent on election campaigns judging from the paraphernalia, the entertainment and those “giveaways”. Unfortunately, these costs keep escalating as any candidate will indicate. In the circumstances, the challenge is to ensure no unsavoury and/or foreign elements influence the results.
Political funding is a critical and necessary part of our political system but it must not drive the process. Contributions from corporate and private citizens will form part of a healthy and normal democratic life.
However, there must be clear limits on the level of contributions to ensure that money neither distorts nor corrupts the democratic process; hence the need for greater regulation of political parties and political financing systems. It must be all about transparency and accountability.
Campaign finance reform is a good way to help stem political corruption, while acknowledging that neither democracy nor good governance is cheap. The public needs to look at the best option of funding the process without simply giving the elected officials and politicians control over taxpayer dollars to finance their campaigns.
This OAS initiative at campaign finance reform should be a major focus for our political parties, political action groups and, equally, the Electoral and Boundaries Commission. Neither the private sector nor civil society should be left out of any such discussion.
Admittedly, it is a complex issue which requires both measured and well thought out discussion if we are to arrive at a meaningful agreements.
Against this backdrop, our politicians must support the OAS’ efforts to have model campaign finance legislation in order to ensure a transparent and equitable electoral process in Barbados.
We must not relent in our efforts to uphold and maintain that proud tradition of having an honest, clean and fair electoral process.
