#BTColumn – Political injustices

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the author(s) do not represent the official position of Barbados TODAY. 

by Dennis De Peiza

Election campaigns are known for the various controversies which they generate. These range from the usual complaints of personal attacks to onslaughts on the character and integrity of persons.

In most instances, those who are vilified are unable to defend themselves in the same fora or even legally. They stand to suffer the fallout from the circulation of malicious rumours, unfair actions, tactics, and a host of other injustices.

The complainants are sometimes accused of manufacturing their claims, which are said to be without foundation.

The candidates, their supporters and campaign team members are usually the ones who are in the forefront
of the receipt of accusations and counter accusations.

Much of this behaviour is considered as part of the political campaigning course. Those who relish in this behaviour, consider that it is all part of what is known as the silly season.

For them pleasure seems to be found in engaging in acts of mudslinging, the display of uncomplimentary behaviour and the hurling of insults.

This apparently has become a source of entertainment for those who welcome the opportunity to release the tensions which have built up over time. For others, all of this lends to a turn off in the paying of attention to the utterances of politicians.

The turn off comes not only as a consequence of these inept actions, but is linked to the rhetoric which is communicated and the accusations of the continued making of promises and pledges, which is tantamount to what is described as warmed-over soup.

This boils down to the electorate having the belief and reaching the conclusion that politicians are merely telling the electorate what they believe it wants to hear.

In this the 21st century, it is disturbing that the electorate has not been forcefully denouncing the behaviour and actions of our political actors.

The good thing is that those who hold a dim view of politicians, cite the intentions of the latter as appearing to be limited to promoting narrow self-interest and that of their interest groups.

What is also likely to be a matter of grave concern to the electorate, is the use of political platforms, social media and the traditional media by politicians to espouse their views; with their utterances at times tending to border on insulting the intelligence of an educated people.

It would apparently seem that the interest of politicians would be better served if they resorted to dealing with the burning national issues, issues affecting workers and working-class people, and those impacting the most vulnerable of our society.

Inasmuch that maintaining the confidence of the electorate must at all times ought to be important to politicians, it is recommended that instead of offering unrealistic solutions, it is best to present workable solutions so as to aspire the populace, rather than divide it.

It would appear that politicians are often the easy targets when it comes to the hurling of criticisms. Unfortunately they are not alone, but are joined by a cadre of academics who called themselves political analysts.

Based on the comments, conclusions drawn and pronouncements made, some serious questions can be made regarding their objectivity, reasoning and impartiality.

Some members of this group can be accused of perpetrating an act political injustice in pushing the agenda of a political party; and to do so under the guise of presenting a professional commentary.

In bringing balance and fairness to what is published, televised or broadcast, there is an expectation that media houses would not hesitate to behave responsibility.

This is one of the ideal standards which state owned radio and television stations are expected to demonstrate.
The media is known for the influence it can bring to bear on the public.

For that reason, it has to preserve its integrity and not allow politicians, individual political parties or their supporting interests, to influence or dictate what the media disseminates.

Fairness is meant to be a standard practice in whatever undertaking that is completed.

If fairness is about being just, then it cannot be that a position is taken which is unreasonable; where upon it is designed to benefit one over the other.

Political behaviour and action must be able to stand to public scrutiny.

Politicians as potential law makers are expected to showcase a character which reflects the core values of our socialisation, discipline, professionalism and decency.

It is a total injustice to the wellbeing and image of a society, where those who represent the interest of the people, having been elected to serve in the Parliament, Senate and in public offices such as ambassadors, have the term of being honourable which is ascribed to them, being called into question.    

Dennis De Peiza is a Labour & Employee Relations Consultant at Regional Management Services Inc. website: www.regionalmanagement services.com