This is the Diocesan Service Centre for Social Action statement for the forthcoming elections. Not that I agree with the sentiments expressed below, but just for those who might be interested. What do the others feel? FN
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * DEMOCRACY IN DANGER in GOA In the ninth State Legislative elections in Goa in June 1999 the Congress (I) came to power with 21 members. Later, the C.M. engineered 3 defections for security in numbers. In November 1999, 11 Congress M.L.A.'s defected and formed a coalition government with the BJP. On 21st October 2000 the BJP withdrew support to its coalition partner and with splits in 4 parties formed a BJP government. The Goa State Legislative Assembly was dissolved by the Governor on the recommendation of the Cabinet on 27-02-02. Statements by individual ministers and other significant actions that followed, raised serious doubts whether this was actually a Cabinet decision. It is reported that the dissolution was to pre-empt defections by 8 of the M.L.A.s. These unprincipled, selfish, unethical pursuits have corrupted the Political System to such an extent that they are now being accepted as a norm. What is Democracy ? In a Democracy, we, the people are sovereign. We entrust the responsibility of governance to individuals whom we elect. We give them the mandate to establish a stable people-oriented, progressive Government. They are accountable to us. We, the people should participate in decision making. We should not passively accept policies that change the pattern of our lives and determine its quality. Why is the situation tod so dismal? Constitutional controls eg. anti defection law, are manipulated. Powerful individuals and coteries who fund election campaigns strongly influence policies detrimental to the Common Good. Elected persons only enrich themselves and neglect their constituencies. Corruption has corroded every section of public life, at all levels. Defections have made a mockery of people's mandate. As never before communalism is dividing the people, even in Goa. We, the people have become indifferent, cynical and negligent. We have given up our rights as citizens to participatory decision making. We have failed to make our elected representatives accountable. WHAT MUST EACH of US DO ? Reject candidates who represent communal interest. Reject habitual defectors -- they will betray you again. Defeat money and muscle power. Exercise your right to vote, fulfil your obligation and responsibility to elect honest persons. Motivate others to vote conscientiously. Encourage and support honest, just and dedicated persons to stand for elections (including yourself) Identify and promote a third candidate, if the choice is between a communal and a corrupt one. Ensure that ONLY GENUINE voters exercise their franchise. Ensure that all directives of the Election Commissions (National, State) are strictly adhered to by candidates, workers, supporters or well-wishers and those entrusted with the organisation and conducting of elections. MAKE SURE that the CANDIDATES KNOW that: You will hold them accountable. Their resignations will be demanded if they do not fulfil their electoral promises or if they defect. Dio. Service Centre for Social Action =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-W-E-B---S-I-T-E-=-=-= To Subscribe/Unsubscribe from GoaNet | http://www.goacom.com/goanet =================================================================== For (un)subscribing or for help, Contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dont want so many e=mails? Join GoaNet-Digest instead ! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Help support non-commercial projects in Goa by advertizing!! * * * * Your ad here !!
