Dear Editor,
I
read with interest the announcement by Mr. Alfred Sears, QC which made
all the major headlines to challenge PM Christie for leadership at the
PLP’s convention in November. I must state that it remains to be seen
whether the PLP will have a convention after not having one since 2009,
thereby in my opinion intentionally stifling the voice of its members.
For what it’s worth, Sears’ move shows that he is the only
person in the PLP who has the courage and fortitude to stand up against
Christie and stand for democracy. After all, a convention is the forum
in our two party system to challenge for the position of leadership to
lead our great nation.
Despite this bravery, I’ve heard the
arguments being advanced already against Sears’ leadership challenge,
citing that his bid is nonsensical because he does not hold a seat in
Parliament. A further assertion states that if he is successful in his
leadership bid, it will create a conundrum in government as to who will
be the Prime Minister, as this scenario has not occurred in our nation’s
history. This indeed is a valid concern.
With these points
advanced, I conducted research to ascertain whether there was a
precedent in the Westminster system or in the Commonwealth of Nations.
My research revealed that there is precedent in the commonwealth for
this type of scenario. In Canada, John Turner, a former parliamentarian
and Cabinet Minister, was elected as leader of the Liberal Democrats in
1984 at the party’s convention and appointed Prime Minister while he
was holding no parliamentary seat. It was understood that Turner would
seek election to office without delay as was the requirement in Canada.
As an alternative option, if Sears is elected leader in
November, Prime Minister Christie can be allowed to finish this current
term as Prime Minister in order to give his undivided attention to
completing the Baha Mar and other critical projects between then and the
general elections.
From November to the general elections,
Sears, as Party Leader, can focus exclusively on getting the PLP’s
political machinery battle ready for the general elections. This option
will provide the PLP with a clear succession before the general
elections, maintain the stability of Government during a critical period
and give certainty to Bahamians and foreign investors that there will
be stability in Government for five years after the general elections
under Sears if the PLP is re-elected. Assuming the PLP is re-elected,
to attempt a succession of leadership within the PLP after the next
general elections will create speculations/uncertainty about whether
Prime Minister Christie will serve out the entire term and identify the
succeeding Prime Minister.
While Sears’ challenge may create an
enigma in The Bahamas as to how governance would function, this notion
has obviously been tested in the Commonwealth. Additionally, the PLP
could explore the possibility of having a co-leadership with the view
that PM Christie would serve out the term as PM and step down a short
period of time before the general elections almost similar to
the USA where the new President is elected in November, but the
incumbent President demits office in January of the following year.
This
move can only help to strengthen democracy within the party and our
nation. If Sears is respectful, the PM can focus on matters of
governance in his final days while Sears focus’ on policy and preparing
the party for the general elections.
I respect Sears for
challenging the system to bring democracy back to the PLP and a call to
join what he calls a revolution. His leadership on behalf of the
Bahamian people gives us hope that all is not lost in our country and
good men or women still desire to offer themselves in service and on
behalf of the Bahamian people.
Mr. Democrat
Disclaimer:
The views expressed here are solely those of the author in his/her
private capacity and do not in any way represent the views of
TheBahamasWeekly.com
