Term limits needed in The Bahamas
thenassauguardian editorial
The Westminster political system does not call for term limits. Candidates can offer for the job as prime minister as many times as they wish.
There are supposed to be several checks and balances in the system, however, which ensure no one person is able to stay on in the post in perpetuity.
The main check should be competitive democratic political parties. If many candidates have a chance to be leader, it would be difficult for ineffective leaders, or those past their prime, to stay on.
In The Bahamas, and in the democratic developing world in general, we lack this important component of an evolved political culture.
Hubert Ingraham has led the Free National Movement for most of the last two decades. The party has tied its fate to him. Ingraham is the FNM.
Since 1959, the Progressive Liberal Party and the communist regime in Cuba have something in common: Both entities have had only two leaders. Perry Christie and Sir Lynden have been the only two PLP leaders over that period.
Any discussion of term limits in The Bahamas is often perceived as a condemnation of Ingraham who is serving in his third, non-consecutive term in office. This is not. He has done well during his years in public service.
However, no country or business survives and thrives in the long-term if it relies on the leadership of one man.
Founders of businesses eventually cede control to executives and boards. No matter how talented the individual, time and exhaustion catch up with us all.
All leaders, commercial and political, begin to lose touch with the moods, desires and aspirations of the people as time goes by.
It would seem reasonable that the term limit for the post of prime minister be set at two or three terms. This would mean no person could serve as PM for more than 10 or 15 years.
The United States was forced to set limits on holding the office of president after Franklin D. Roosevelt won his fourth term. He died in office. Two terms is now the law in the U.S.
Term limits need to be enshrined in The Bahamian constitution so that no political party could change the rules to the benefit of the party.
11/1/2010
thenassauguardian editorial
A political blog about Bahamian politics in The Bahamas, Bahamian Politicans - and the entire Bahamas political lot. Bahamian Blogger Dennis Dames keeps you updated on the political news and views throughout the islands of The Bahamas without fear or favor. Bahamian Politicians and the Bahamian Political Arena: Updates one Post at a time on Bahamas Politics and Bahamas Politicans; and their local, regional and international policies and perspectives.
