PCP warns of threat to democracy in proposed constitutional amendment  

The People’s Coalition for Progress (PCP) has accused the government of attempting to erode parliamentary independence through the constitutional amendment passed by the House of Assembly, warning that the measure could give party leaders sweeping powers to silence dissenting MPs.  

 

The political group contends that the bill — which alters the procedure for handling Members of Parliament who cross the floor, resign, or are expelled from their parties — effectively grants party leaders excessive control over individual MPs.  

 

The PCP argued that the proposed changes to Section 45 of the Constitution infringe fundamental rights protected under Chapter III, namely freedom of conscience, freedom of association and property rights. Furthermore, the group said the bill would empower party leaders to remove an MP from office simply by notifying the Speaker, forcing the legislator into a defensive legal battle to retain their seat.  

 

The PCP also warned that the legislation could be used to punish internal party dissent that may have no relation to national governance, thereby discouraging independent thought within the halls of Parliament.  

 

To bolster its position, the alliance cited the work of renowned jurist Dr Francis Alexis, who in his text Changing Caribbean Constitutions argued that allowing parties to recall representatives undermines the “robust and effective representation” owed to citizens.  

 

“This legacy is apt to choke good conscience, stifle independent thought, promote maximum leadership and encourage dictatorship of the party; it is anti-democratic,” the PCP quoted.  

 

Dr Alexis suggested that any mechanism for recall should instead be vested in the constituency — not the political party — and should be strictly reserved for cases of sustained neglect or failure to represent the public.  

 

The PCP called on the public to closely monitor the proceedings, arguing that the bill elevates political parties to a position of supremacy that could eventually override the will of the electorate.  

 

“Barbadians should sit up and pay attention,” the group stated, urging citizens to voice their opposition to a process they believe stands in direct opposition to the tenets of natural justice.