People's President
- By Bhishmadev Seebaluck
- Published 12th September, 2008
The Presidency should not be deemed as an award bestowed upon a protégé to reward him for services
rendered to the party or to the individual.
My dear Billy,
The five-year mandate of our current President, Sir Anerood Jugnauth, has almost come to its natural conclusion, and speculations are high as to who the next person to be installed at State House will be. The name of the new incumbent is likely to be communicated to the nation during a special session of Parliament next Friday.
So far it would appear that there's only one person who knows the closely guarded secret, and it's none other than the Prime Minister himself, who has the power to appoint and disappoint. But of course, in the two weeks to come, he has all the time and leisure to revisit his choice.
In the meantime, several likely and unlikely names are being tossed in the air, and probabilities are that the bookies are making a brisk business.
Who will be the next President of the Republic of Mauritius?
It's not for me to say, my dear Billy. Nor for you. It's the Prime Minister's prerogative to propose a name to the Legislative Assembly, and that of his government to approve it. However, political and other observers are making all sorts of guesses, some quite likely, others very wild.
There are many who proclaim that the outgoing president will also be the incoming. They base their prediction on the type of relationship and interaction that exists between the Prime Minister and the President. But they don't seem to realise that appearances can be deceptive. Fortunately, nothing is so admirable in politics as a short memory, although some people do insist on not forgetting the “Lev Paké Aller” episode.
Some soothsayers do bank upon an imminent alliance between Labour and the President's former party, the MSM, with which he might still be entertaining a lot of affinity. But does the PM need such an alliance at the moment? Moreover, as some observers pertinently remark, even in the unlikely event of a Labour-MSM alliance, will the Prime Minister accept to be uncomfortably sandwiched between the father and the son? For, make no
mistake, an alliance with the MSM will entail having as Vice Prime Minister the leader of the MSM, who is none other than the President's son.
Navin Ramgoolam, besides being a wise statesman, is also by now a shrewd politician. He knows what's best for him and for his agenda. In the present situation he doesn't really need any cue or prompting from his aides or advisers. Therefore the presidential pretenders who find their chances waning need not blame it on the PM's entourage.
While taking all precautions to refrain from suggesting any name to the Prime Minister, I would nevertheless make bold to hint that the Presidency should not be deemed as an award bestowed upon a protege to reward him for services rendered to the party or to the individual.
The person to be nominated should possess certain traits and have accomplished a number that mark him out and place him above the lot.
The Constitution assigns certain duties and responsibilities to the President.
But he should also be gifted with certain personal leadership qualities that he can use for the benefit of the nation. He should project a father figure and be a sort role model. He should live and behave lik a true patriot. He should be able to initiate welfare projects and help and encourage people to engage in these projects.
Indeed, my dear Billy, neither the Presidency nor the Vice Presidency should be deemed to be costly sinecures. It's unfortunate to say, but so far we have only had Cassam Uteem and Raouf Bundhun, as President and Vice President respectively, who have shown dynamism and blown some life and vitality to their offices. Future Presidents and their vices would gain by being inspired by the positive qualities of these two.
And while we are at it, why not place a woman at the topmost job, my dear Billy? I think we have done too much of cajoling and wheedling and lip servicing about gender equality and all that rot. I sincerely believe it's time for some real, earnest, virile action, and show women that they matter and that we believe in their ability. As it is, men have been ceaselessly sinking the world in muck and mire. Men have failed as leaders. It's time to give up. It's time for a change.
There must be women with high potentiality, sincerity and efficiency around. And then presidents need not necessarily hail from the political jungle, my dear Billy. They may come from any walk of life.
rendered to the party or to the individual.
My dear Billy,
The five-year mandate of our current President, Sir Anerood Jugnauth, has almost come to its natural conclusion, and speculations are high as to who the next person to be installed at State House will be. The name of the new incumbent is likely to be communicated to the nation during a special session of Parliament next Friday.
So far it would appear that there's only one person who knows the closely guarded secret, and it's none other than the Prime Minister himself, who has the power to appoint and disappoint. But of course, in the two weeks to come, he has all the time and leisure to revisit his choice.
In the meantime, several likely and unlikely names are being tossed in the air, and probabilities are that the bookies are making a brisk business.
Who will be the next President of the Republic of Mauritius?
It's not for me to say, my dear Billy. Nor for you. It's the Prime Minister's prerogative to propose a name to the Legislative Assembly, and that of his government to approve it. However, political and other observers are making all sorts of guesses, some quite likely, others very wild.
There are many who proclaim that the outgoing president will also be the incoming. They base their prediction on the type of relationship and interaction that exists between the Prime Minister and the President. But they don't seem to realise that appearances can be deceptive. Fortunately, nothing is so admirable in politics as a short memory, although some people do insist on not forgetting the “Lev Paké Aller” episode.
Some soothsayers do bank upon an imminent alliance between Labour and the President's former party, the MSM, with which he might still be entertaining a lot of affinity. But does the PM need such an alliance at the moment? Moreover, as some observers pertinently remark, even in the unlikely event of a Labour-MSM alliance, will the Prime Minister accept to be uncomfortably sandwiched between the father and the son? For, make no
Navin Ramgoolam, besides being a wise statesman, is also by now a shrewd politician. He knows what's best for him and for his agenda. In the present situation he doesn't really need any cue or prompting from his aides or advisers. Therefore the presidential pretenders who find their chances waning need not blame it on the PM's entourage.
While taking all precautions to refrain from suggesting any name to the Prime Minister, I would nevertheless make bold to hint that the Presidency should not be deemed as an award bestowed upon a protege to reward him for services rendered to the party or to the individual.
The person to be nominated should possess certain traits and have accomplished a number that mark him out and place him above the lot.
The Constitution assigns certain duties and responsibilities to the President.
But he should also be gifted with certain personal leadership qualities that he can use for the benefit of the nation. He should project a father figure and be a sort role model. He should live and behave lik a true patriot. He should be able to initiate welfare projects and help and encourage people to engage in these projects.
Indeed, my dear Billy, neither the Presidency nor the Vice Presidency should be deemed to be costly sinecures. It's unfortunate to say, but so far we have only had Cassam Uteem and Raouf Bundhun, as President and Vice President respectively, who have shown dynamism and blown some life and vitality to their offices. Future Presidents and their vices would gain by being inspired by the positive qualities of these two.
And while we are at it, why not place a woman at the topmost job, my dear Billy? I think we have done too much of cajoling and wheedling and lip servicing about gender equality and all that rot. I sincerely believe it's time for some real, earnest, virile action, and show women that they matter and that we believe in their ability. As it is, men have been ceaselessly sinking the world in muck and mire. Men have failed as leaders. It's time to give up. It's time for a change.
There must be women with high potentiality, sincerity and efficiency around. And then presidents need not necessarily hail from the political jungle, my dear Billy. They may come from any walk of life.
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