Scotland, Fiji and now Aotearoa New Zealand. The people have spoken. Decisively, unexpectedly (on some prior polls and prognostications) and, especially in NZ's recent outbreak of lunacies, sensibly.
It is wonderful that each country is testimony to the capacity of the ballot box to convey the voice of the people, each one counting equally, with peace and in peace. No bullets, no beheadings.
I feel a great joy within me at the power of democracy.
Incidentally, without explanation and with no offence to the people of Scotland or New Zealand, the greatest result of this week is the outcome of the Fijian election.
6 comments:
Not sure I can agree about Fiji. It's great they had a peaceful election and that the new political system seems better than the previous one. Not so great that the lead candidate was the dictator who led the country for the last 8 years after a coup. Hardly a fair contest for other parties when he has restricted independent media, judiciary, labour unions etc.
Hi Andrew
Fair concerns, but some commentators here are happy about the election itself.
Hi Andrew
Fair concerns, but some commentators here are happy about the election itself.
A bit like Egypt. There wasn't any election fraud and it was conducted peacefully, but when a candidate is the leader of a military coup who has silenced opposition movements and opinions, it's hard to call it free and fair, isn't it?
A difference, Andrew, between Egypt and Fiji, is that all along Bainimarama has been working for an inclusive political culture (i.e. not treating Fijian Indians as second-class citizens, as people who, should they get their hands on governance, can be revolted against in yet another coup).
Their are complexities in Fiji that observers can get wrong. I may be wrong! But I am trying to discern what those more intimately involved tell me/us in NZ.
I once had the dubious privilege of playing Julius Caesar at the Takapuna Pumphouse. This experience has coloured my view of democracy ever since. beig Top Dog isn't always helpful.
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