Dear Editor,
While issues of governance, democracy, and the less than perfect political system are at the forefront in this season possibly heading to elections, it is an ideal time to express concern about the need for neutral Government of Jamaica constituency offices that are unlike the political party constituency offices that now exist with political colours and logos displayed.
These offices were established to ensure that the political parties have grass-roots operations and local political machinery that, on their own, are also important to the governance process. The line is drawn when these poltical operations become hurdles to effective and transparent governance.
The member of parliament represents all his/her constituents, not just his/her party members, and these offices exude partisanship in appearance.
Unlike the mayor's office, usually located in the parish council, with assured government scrutiny of accounts and operations, the MP's constituency office is often left out of the loop of scrutiny and audit. Also, unlike the mayor's office located in the parish capital, constituency offices now are often situated in political strongholds.
With these facts, plus the strong political facade of the buildings, it is not hard to imagine that the offices are seen as exclusive to those who are independent or on the opposing side. With the constituency office a crucial contact point between citizens and political reps, no constituent should be fearful when entering a public office to interact with the State.
Political parties are expected to become registered public institutions, and all public institutions and offices, including those that house political representatives, must be without political prejudice.
Mario Boothe
m.raphael.b@gmail.com
Make constituency offices neutral
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While issues of governance, democracy, and the less than perfect political system are at the forefront in this season possibly heading to elections, it is an ideal time to express concern about the need for neutral Government of Jamaica constituency offices that are unlike the political party constituency offices that now exist with political colours and logos displayed.
These offices were established to ensure that the political parties have grass-roots operations and local political machinery that, on their own, are also important to the governance process. The line is drawn when these poltical operations become hurdles to effective and transparent governance.
The member of parliament represents all his/her constituents, not just his/her party members, and these offices exude partisanship in appearance.
Unlike the mayor's office, usually located in the parish council, with assured government scrutiny of accounts and operations, the MP's constituency office is often left out of the loop of scrutiny and audit. Also, unlike the mayor's office located in the parish capital, constituency offices now are often situated in political strongholds.
With these facts, plus the strong political facade of the buildings, it is not hard to imagine that the offices are seen as exclusive to those who are independent or on the opposing side. With the constituency office a crucial contact point between citizens and political reps, no constituent should be fearful when entering a public office to interact with the State.
Political parties are expected to become registered public institutions, and all public institutions and offices, including those that house political representatives, must be without political prejudice.
Mario Boothe
m.raphael.b@gmail.com
Make constituency offices neutral
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