CRC'S PROPOSALS FOR THE STRUCTURE OF GOVERNANCE


THE STRUCTURE

SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE PROPOSALS

The National Assembly is at the centre of the structure which is the same as with the former House of Assembly. As such the ethos of Parliamentary Democracy will be maintained. However, it must be remembered that we are still in the process of developing a system of Local Government and we will therefore have to find some accommodation for representation from this entity.

1. The President will have a non-executive role but there will have to be some clarification about what this person really does since some of his/her functions are clearly not non-ceremonial.
   
2. NACE by its constitution and functions is an advisory body. However, there functions are very influential in the governance of the country and its members have be men and women with credibility. This is why the idea of having members by right has to be carefully examined. Further, the body seems to have the character of a second chamber in the National Assembly although there has been insistence on a unicameral arrangement.
   
3. It is morally sound and practical to have representation from the Diaspora. However, the logistics implied by the present arrangement for their contribution are difficult to say the least.
   
4. The integration of Civil Society into the governance system is perhaps one of the most important constitutional innovations. The reason for this springs from the desire to reduce the crass partisanship the nations suffers from those who govern. This is why things have to be done to ensure that the group has to have the respect and credibility when they get into the House of Assembly. The question therefore is whether the relevant proposal need to ensure their legitimacy. If the nation is not satisfied in this regard the proposals will be rejected. For example, the idea of Civil Society representatives become Ministers is really counteractive to the purpose of having them in Government.
   
5. Given the role of Civil Society in reducing the partisanship in the National Assembly, it is difficult to see why the Majority and Minority groups should nominate Senators for the National Assembly. These Senators will surely strengthen the partisan role of the the traditional representative in the Assembly.
   
   

These proposals will be discussed in another forum but readers should pay more attention to these immediately. It is really not a good thing to wait until the referendum.

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