The electorate is watching, unimpressed

Citizens around the world are fighting to maintain their democracy under the powerful shadow of aspiring tyrants.

A most enlightening article in Time Magazine described 2024 as the most consequential year for the electoral process in several countries.

“Globally, more voters than ever in history will head to the polls as at least 64 countries (plus the European Union) — representing a combined population of about 49 per cent of the people in the world — are meant to hold national elections, the results of which, for many, will prove consequential for years to come” the respected American publication noted.

The people of Taiwan went to the polls in January and elected a president who is not particularly favoured by China. The citizens of this Asian island-nation have sought to embrace their own version of democracy as they exist in a “complicated and fragmented” political system.

Moreover, Taiwanese live with the constant fear of an invasion by China, as has occurred in the Ukraine by its superpower neighbour on the border, Russia.

Over in Pakistan, opposition leader and former Prime Minister Imran Khan sat in jail in the run-up to that country’s controversial elections earlier this year.

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is among a host of international media, think tanks, human rights groups, and academics who are warning us that the entire world should pay attention to the United States presidential election.

“The prospect of Republican Donald Trump returning to office, with his America First foreign policy agenda, adds more uncertainty to an already tumultuous picture.

“Some countries look forward to his return. But many of America’s allies are more fearful about the possible comeback of an unorthodox president they found hard to deal with the first time around,” the BBC stated in a piece published in January.

European partners, particularly those in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), are extremely uneasy about a Trump win in November, as the Republican presidential contender seems bent on undermining the alliance.

Yes, 2024 is embedded with political turbulence and possibly expanded conflict in the Middle East and Ukraine. As outrageous as it may seem, the real possibility of election violence or post-election conflict in the United States is a scenario that many are envisioning.

Here at home, the political circumstances are much more placid. However, the goings on in the opposition Democratic Labour Party (DLP) are causing much consternation among its members and those in the electorate weighing the political party’s preparedness to administer the country’s national affairs.

Frankly, the constant internal wrangling and failure to unify in a sustainable way does not inspire confidence that this team is ready for prime time.

The Dems represent a serious political institution established in 1955 by political colossi, including National Hero Errol Barrow, the late Cameron Tudor and Sir Frederick Smith, who developed their own philosophy about how this country ought to be shaped economically and socially.

The party has been lifted in recent weeks with the defection of Christ Church South Member of Parliament and new Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne.

Thorne’s move allowed the DLP to have two additional voices in Parliament with the appointments of Tricia Watson and Ryan Walters to the Senate.

However, observers are remarking, with good cause, that what should have been an opportunity to elevate the status of the DLP is being squandered, due to internal squabbling.

Party leader Mr Ronnie Yearwood has been unable to rally the rank-and-file Dems in the way many expected and is now facing a no-confidence motion.

The latest conflict has arisen from an invitation from the United Workers Party of St Lucia sent to DLP General Secretary Steve Blackett, inviting Thorne to join them in celebrating the 60th anniversary of the political party.

Most Barbadians could care less who represented the DLP in St Lucia. What they are interested in is the capability of the DLP to be the government in waiting.

The current political unrest within the Dems camp does little to convince voters that they are capable of managing a country with serious challenges.

Mr Yearwood along with Opposition Leader Thorne must find a way to settle the leadership conundrum that confronts the political party, despite claims that all is well in George Street. Those on the outside are not convinced.