Political Independence By Lino DeBono

Until such time that our political system is truly independent financially, all political parties elected will be under obligations to their financiers. As the reality of the past and present political systems are since 1921, although it appears that political parties elected to run the country seem to be independent, in reality they are not.

There is an old proverb which states “Money Walks – Money Talks.” This phrase is all so true and realistic.

In this article I will try to explain my thoughts of how political parties are not really independent but have to get support, financial or otherwise, from large private financial contributors.

As a Senior Citizen, as well as currently being Secretary of the Former Parliamentarians Association, a position I have held for many years and have also had the honour of being elected as President of the European Associations & Council of Europe Former Parliamentarians Association for a two year term, I have learned to be more objective and mature in my thoughts and beliefs.

Our Association has held many meetings discussing a multitude of issues regarding how our Parliament and the elected MP’s should be conducted. Our proposals were sent to various authorities including the President.

I do believe that when a Former Parliamentarian distances oneself from the usual run of the mill involvement of their political party, they can evaluate and view independently without party obligations, through their experiences in a more mature way and progress and contribute in the general betterment of our country’s welfare, especially that of our political system.

Important Aspects

I will put my personal aspects to paper of how I see things in reality about the Political Parties financial situations as these really are at the present time.

All political parties, whether large or small have to have finances in order to function. Till now these finances have to be collected or donated by and from private individuals, as there is no official financial assistance from the Government. This puts all political parties directly, or indirectly under obligations and financial stress which is not a satisfactory situation at all.

This problem not only exists in our country but all over the world, in several countries this situation is more acute than others. For example if one takes the World Leading Democratic Country of America, which was till recently the beacon that led the Democratic World, millions of Millions are donated by large firms/companies/individuals, and each and every one will be asking for their pound of flesh. If their supported party gets elected, kick-backs are then expected.

These situations although so very wrong are in their generality accepted by one and all.

This happens all over the World over, it is an open secret.

Local Situation

As the Official System does not include any financial assistance to the political parties, financial help is asked for from wealthy individuals as well as large companies. All over the world there is a saying “That One Hand Rubs Another.”

Political parties cannot cut off the hands that contributed financial assistance to them. Some may do this politely with viable projects, others by asking for different, not so clean or clear projections as past local and world experience have shown us.

Until such time that it is agreed by one and all that agreement is reached when political parties will have an official allocated financial sum, according not only to their Parliamentary Seats but also accordingly to their memberships and votes gathered in previous Elections, all Political Parties will be held to ransom by their financiers.

The only “Clean Monies” will be those small sums collected by the general public.

This in my humble view is the reality of how the situation was, is and will remain in the future if it is not changed to the realities of the way our life is.

Full Time MPs

Another very important issue which I believe is crucial in having Members Elected to Parliament, is for these to be on “A Full Time Basis.”

I could never understand how a Professional Qualified Member of Parliament could still practice his/her profession when holding office. If one looks at realities, one finds that almost all major projects, cases, contracts, civil and criminal cases are handled by Elected MPs in Office.

Some do appear for the same people that these individuals have financed themselves to be elected in those positions. Large magnates in most cases get a politician as their representative. Thus this is not an ideal situation for any Member of Parliament to be in.

Therefore being well paid whilst in Office is a must, not only for the individual which our Country deserves to have the very best of representation, but also to acquire and have the best individuals happy and feeling free to contest to be members of parliament.

Full Time Members of Parliament should also be provided with Offices and Staff. For Ladies Elected to Parliament all kinds of family friendly facilities should be provided, such as Nursery, etc., etc.

Personally, as I have written previously, I am against women being nominated (not elected) to Parliament just to make up for the quota. They should be elected through the democratic process as all others.

I do sincerely believe that women are more than capable of achieving their aims without any outside help.

Are We Ready for These Changes? Are we as a country willing to move to new heights? Can a compromise be reached by all political parties contesting future elections?

I believe that our Leaders have to put these issues to the test. Any kind of reform appears difficult at first until discussed and tried. Reforms should also follow the example of Switzerland whenever major Government Properties are passed to individuals.

A Referendum/s should be held at each year’s end for public approval or disapproval. After all these properties do belong to the general public and not the people who govern them at any particular time.

We want the best characters to contest for a Parliamentary Seat. People with heart and vision. Idealist and principled individuals who believe in a cause.

Till the present times, candidates are approached to contest for the elections in order for a party to gather more votes. But I ask “Where is the Heart – the Belief – Convictions for their contestations.

Our Island and that of Ireland are I believe very democratic by having a transferable system of voting. Many other systems were discussed but finally one came to the conclusion that the local voting system is the best.

Let us now change for the better and provide a greatly improved future for our Islands.

Lino DeBono,

Gozo.

Photo supplied by author- opening of Parliament