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The most addictive drug of all

16 février 2019, 09:24

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lexpress.mu | Toute l'actualité de l'île Maurice en temps réel.

 

Democracy worked in Ancient Athens because it was easy to control the executive in a small city state. It also ought to be relatively easy in a small island state but modern democracies of all sizes have increasingly morphed into executive dictatorships, only regulated by the occasional election or street demonstrations, often usurped by the extreme left or right. In some countries, even though elections of sorts are held, the process is normally so strongly manipulated as to be meaningless, with China, Russia, Turkey and Venezuela providing outstanding models. It’s one danger that Mauritius has managed to avoid, even if state media tries its best to distort reporting.  

The biggest threat to democracy here is the excessive powers that have been amassed by the executive to control appointments and organisations. Power is a like a drug, as addictive as heroine and equally difficult to relinquish. Politicos are often well aware of who the barons are but drag their feet when action is required. There’s lip service to good governance but, apart from the odd report, there seems as little chance of decisive action as of The Donald embracing honesty and integrity. Instead it’s populism that’s on the rise, pandering to people’s tribal instincts and base self-interest. All a little spirit can do is float a few ideas that, if repeated often enough, may provide a little food for thought. Sadly, however, ideas and observations are interpreted as criticism rather than as an opportunity for reasoned debate, but we daemones will always be present as reminders of what is honourable, or dire warnings of what is not, even if the gods now receive fewer votive offerings than an obscure third century Roman called Valentinus.   

 

Of the centralised powers that lead to abuse, amongst the worst is the way local authorities are run and funded. The need to truly reform the system is blindingly obvious, although not in the unloved manner of Mons Aimée.  It’s been stated many times over the decades without any political party showing much interest. The same is true of the educational system. Appointments and movements are closely studied by the minister and officials before any announcements are made. The inspectorate is useless and there are more untouchables than in India, with connections remaining as dependable as train services in Switzerland. 

 

In hand with the vice of cronyism, religious and ethnic lobbies believe they can stick their snouts into every trough. There’s a crying need for a law to make attouchements politiques illegal, perhaps by permanently dyeing wandering hands and sticky fingers in shades of red, orange, blue and purple. Given the pervasiveness of the problem, perhaps The Sage could introduce a measure in the Assembly to stop all the manipulations. He could then leave an even more honourable legacy than he already has, one that would outlive several life times. Indeed, with his penchant for the death penalty, he could really shake things up. He could also point out to the intransigent that the abuse of power is several times more dangerous to society than smoking gandia – the kind of perspective severely lacking in political circles.  

As decision-making often resides in one person, certain kinds of Admirables feel forced to lobby such latter-day deities. No wonder the public sector moves so slowly. With all the canvassing and backbiting, there’s little time for any real work. Meritocracy is much vaunted but only rarely gets a look-in. Then, when an appointment is made on merit as occasionally happens, the media tends either not to notice or ignores it. Other laws, like a freedom of information act, could make a real difference but there’s a little touted measure that could revolutionise how government operates….