FOLLOWING the Prime Minister’s hard rejection of the Opposition Leader’s call for international observers for the upcoming local government election (LGE), political analysts feel there would be no harm in ensuring a fair and transparent process.
But while some analysts argue that the inclusion of foreign observers can only bring added credibility to the process, one of the four Newsday spoke with on Thursday, believes that politicians are missing the bigger picture.
Political analyst Derek Ramsamooj insists that local government reform should be at the forefront of everyone's minds and that having election observers is not the real issue.
Ramsamooj said governments have failed to strengthen local government and embed it within TT's constitutional framework.
He told Newsday, “The issue is not that of election observers. The issue is providing a better-quality candidate and the issue of ensuring that we modernise our local government systems.”
Meanwhile, Dr Indira Rampersad said there was nothing to lose by having election observers.
She said Rowley should have had no issues with granting the request since he found no fault in asking for observers for the 2015 general election.
Rampersad told Newsday, “What is the harm? There is no harm in election observers. They do these things for free from what I understand – the OAS, the Commonwealth, there are several Caricom teams of election observers. I don't think they charge for this, so what is really the issue? There's always room for election observers, and there's nothing to lose.
“He was calling for it. So why now, suddenly, it is not necessary when you're in government?”
She was referring to Rowley’s letter to the secretary general of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in the UK and the secretary general of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretariat asking for an electoral observer mission for the September 17, 2015 general election.
Rampersad said, “The perception is very important. And so why – when he (Rowley) was in opposition in 2015 – why was he calling for observers? For the same reason –they wanted to feel comfortable. So now that the shoe is on the other foot I think they should understand that.”
The Commonwealth observer group led by Sir Paul Tovua found that the 2015 general election process was credible and peaceful. Also, the Commonwealth guidelines says it does not ask for or accept financial assistance from host countries for observer missions. In 2020, the Prime Minister invited a Caricom observer group.
Ralph Maraj – a former PNM and UNC minister – is claiming that international organisations do not provide observers for municipal and local government elections.
But, given the level of deep distrust and suspicion that exists between both parties, Maraj believes the opposition’s call for observers is understandable.
He said, “We live in a very ugly political environment. In my mind, it is unprecedentedly ugly.”
Dr Bishnu Ragoonath also saw no harm in fulfilling the request.
“The issue of observers is simpl
