Playing the good citizen
As Fiji citizens, we expect so much from our government because we feel we are responsible for putting politicians in power voting through the power of the ballot.
THIS week I thought of reminding everyone once again about the fact that politics and elections play an important role in any country.
The provision of new public infrastructure, building of new roads, schools and hospitals, passing of new laws and the implementation of intervention policies aimed at raising living standards and addressing inequity are all part of this role.
As Fiji citizens, we expect so much from our government because we feel we are responsible for putting politicians in power voting through the power of the ballot.
There are also moments when we feel too dependent, expecting politicians to serve us while we sit back and become very passive citizens.
When the election dust settles, political campaigns cease and politicians carry on with their lives post-elections, what do we do next? How do we continue to participate at national level? Does everything end at elections?
As Fijians we are bestowed with a great responsibility, which is to fulfil our civic duties so that our society functions well.
Civic participation can take various forms: voting for representatives in municipal elections; taking part in a public debate; joining an association; paying taxes and making a difference to society’s well-being through volunteer activities.
According to Fiji’s political history, all unrests that led to the past four illegal takeovers of democratically elected governments happened within one year after citizens went to the polls.
This means that while the political campaign period prior to the polls may seem like an aggressive time, the period after elections may also brew feelings of discord, suspicion and antagonism resulting from losers’ inability to accept the results of elections.
This politically volatile period, based on our history, should be accompanied by a robust civic education and civic awareness campaign, same as the series of media publicity done prior to polling day.
This would ensure we have a peaceful transition of power.
Media campaigns should include positive messages that encourage tolerance, peaceful co-existence and democratic living, and instil in every citizen the notion that while we may have voted for different parties on polling day, after the polls we can and must work together and get on with the mammoth task of nation building.
The post-election period also calls for calm and patience. While we welcome the change of political leadership from the outgoing to the incoming team and expect politicians to implement their election promises expeditiously, we must
also give them space and time to settle in their new offices and bring about the changes we require.
We must consider the fact that change involves processes and takes time to implement, but we must not condone passivity and tolerate lethargy from politicians.
As citizens we must not get overexcited if our candidate wins or too depressed our party loses. We must accept the results of the elections as the true reflection of our choice, political conscience and aspirations.
An active and responsible citizen will not stop at elections, but accept that his or her role transcends the conduct of elections.
Before elections, our job is to participate in the formation of our government by going to the polls and after the elections our job is to hold those we have elected accountable for the decisions they make and the manner in which they implement these decisions.
Without being too arrogant, we must encourage each other to participate in events and processes that keep politicians on their toes.
We can mobilise people with whom we share common interests with a view to help influence government decisions, as long as they are legal, peaceful and follow democratic principles.
We can organise ourselves according to our profession, businesses, hobbies, needs and communities, and find opportunities to engage, interact with and “link up” to government.
A free and fair media also plays an important role in connecting citizens to their representatives in government.
Most of us find out about our candidates for office, public officials’ activities, and
topical socioeconomic issues of the day through television, newspapers and radio.
With the advent of the internet, social networking platforms have also become a popular, consistent, timely and affordable way of accessing information and expressing public opinion.
The media’s power to shape public conscience and influence government agenda is often criticised, especially so by those in positions of authority and power.
But by raising concerns brought up by members of the public, the media not only provides a democratic platform that allows ordinary citizens to engage but also empowers vulnerable citizens and communities to have a voice and take control of their lives on matters that affect them.
A complaint in the media over inadequate medical services in our hospitals should not be perceived as a deliberate act to tarnish the reputation of a government department and discredit civil servants because it allows people to give an honest feedback to government and policy makers on the quality, efficiency and timeliness of the services they provide.
A responsible and responsive government and civil service will take these concerns and turn them into opportunities for devising ways of delivering better services to those they serve.
Another golden opportunity that we often overlook but plays a very important role in public life, is participating in government’s annual budget processes. This includes mobilising our communities around issues and assessing, prioritising needs and taking part in budget submissions.
Very often we expect government officials to come down to our communities. When this does not happen, we must mobilise our communities and connect with offices responsible for implementing government policies on the ground whether that be government departments, office of the provincial administrator or divisional commissioner.
We must work closely with our advisory councils, non-government, civil society and community based organisations, who are often referred to as “eyes and ears” of government on the ground.
At the end of the day, government and the people it governs cannot work in isolation. The two must find ways of complementing each other without compromising the function of the roles each plays.
As you read this article, I’d already be on Vanua Levu, ready to cover prepolling and election in the provinces of Cakaudrove, Bua and Macuata.
Until we meet on this same page same time next week, stay blessed, stay happy and stay safe!