Democracy: Challenges Facing Modern Parliaments
Conference Address by President Irfaan Ali
President Irfaan Ali addressing the 46th Conference of the Caribbean, the Americas, and the Atlantic Region of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association
President Irfaan Ali has reiterated his government’s commitment to upholding democracy and the rule of law as the country prepares for regional and general elections next year.
Addressing the 46th Conference of the Caribbean, the Americas, and the Atlantic Region of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Ali underscored the importance of free and fair elections, which lay the foundation for a robust democratic system.
Keynote Address
"It is common knowledge that Guyana’s political evolution has been marred by the perversion of democratic rule for almost three decades, followed by the restoration of democracy and then an aborted attempt to subvert democratic elections," Ali told delegates to the conference that ends on Saturday.
"During those challenging days, years, and decades, when democracy came under threat and became non-existent, Guyana’s economy faltered. Poverty deepened, and outward migration intensified. Our economy went into a tailspin," he said, noting the political solution to this situation involved advocating for a return to democratic principles through free and fair elections and a renewed focus on development.
"Our experience underscores a fundamental truth. Democracy is not a political system; it is the engine that drives development, which we must understand. Democracy is not a political commitment. Democracy is not confined to [any] political definition. Democracy is that engine that drives development," Ali added.
Erosion of Public Trust
However, in his address to the conference, Opposition A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) legislator Ganesh Mahipaul said one of the most significant challenges facing modern parliaments is the erosion of public trust.
He spoke of scandals, corruption, and the perception that elected officials are more interested in self-preservation than public service have contributed to widespread cynicism.
"This loss of faith in parliamentary institutions undermines the legitimacy of democracy itself. When people feel that their voices are not being heard or that their representatives are disconnected from their realities, voter apathy increases, and the very fabric of democracy begins to fray," he said.
Call to Action
Speaking on behalf of the Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton, who is overseas, Mahipaul said that parliamentarians need to find ways of working closely together and recommended that the 46th CPA Conference develop a model approach for greater bipartisan involvement of parliaments in negotiating agreements.
"This might involve strengthening regional cooperation, ensuring that international agreements are negotiated with parliamentary oversight, and creating frameworks that allow for greater control over the impacts of globalization," he said.
Conclusion
The conference is being held under the theme "Democracy: Challenges Facing Modern Parliaments." The participants discussed several areas of urgent concern, including strengthening parliamentary security, improving transparency and accountability, and addressing the erosion of public trust.
FAQs
Q: What is the theme of the 46th CPA Conference?
A: The theme is "Democracy: Challenges Facing Modern Parliaments."
Q: Who is the President of Guyana addressing the conference?
A: President Irfaan Ali is addressing the conference.
Q: What is the main challenge facing modern parliaments, according to Ganesh Mahipaul?
A: The erosion of public trust is the main challenge facing modern parliaments, according to Ganesh Mahipaul.
Q: What is the proposed solution to improve parliamentary security, according to Arthur Holder?
A: Arthur Holder proposed strengthening parliamentary security, ensuring that international agreements are negotiated with parliamentary oversight, and creating frameworks that allow for greater control over the impacts of globalization.
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