By: Paul Sarran
August 1, 2023
Intriguingly, the Trinidad and Tobago chair of the ethical council has decided to monitor the conduct of political parties ahead of the 2023 local government elections. As an aspiring political scientist who speaks independently on contemporary and social issues, I offer my sincere opinion. Why didn’t the ethical chair monitor these political parties from their inception, and why are they suddenly so concerned about it now?
Every session in the Trinidad and Tobago parliament, ethical violations occur, and elected and appointed officials within the cabinet attempt to retract and recite standing orders for the purpose of the Hansard.
According to (Douglas, 2023), Earlier on Thursday, the council upheld UNC allegations over Dr. Rowley’s statements at a PNM rally in San Fernando on July 15. The council concluded that the Prime Minister’s accusation that gunmen had been executed to shoot up Port of Spain, which the UNC said was directed at its members, was baseless. The UNC also complained that a PNM election flyer improperly enticed voters to visit a candidate’s office because it claimed, “Apply now; grants are available,” implying that state funding was being directed through the campaign headquarters.
In my opinion, ethical conduct has not been enforced in Trinidad and Tobago, either before or during the election. My inquiry is to the chair of the ethical council. Can the council present cases of misconduct where political ethics were violated based on the statute of limitations?
Transparency is a crucial component of political ethics, and public officials are expected to be transparent and honest in their actions and decision-making processes. Mechanisms for holding legislators and government officials accountable for their actions are essential. Anti-Corruption Efforts: Corruption has been an issue in Trinidad and Tobago’s political landscape for decades. Ethical standards require that public officials refrain from corrupt practices and that measures be taken to combat all forms of corruption. Politicians and public officials are expected to avoid situations in which their personal interests conflict with their obligation to serve the public. In such situations, disclosures and recusal from decision-making processes may be required.
Respect for the Rule of Law: For a society to be stable and just, the rule of law must be upheld. Political actors must respect and adhere to the nation’s legal framework, and the judiciary must remain independent and unaffected by politics. Respect for Human Rights: Trinidad and Tobago’s political ethics require respect for human rights and the promotion of equality and non-discrimination. Fair and Inclusive Political Processes: Political ethics call for fair and inclusive electoral procedures that allow citizens to choose their representatives without coercion or intimidation.
During elections, politicians are expected to conduct their campaigns in an ethical manner, avoiding misinformation, hate speech, and any other tactics that could undermine the democratic process. Politicians and public officials are considered public officers, and their primary objective should be to serve the citizens’ best interests. Media Freedom and Freedom of Expression: According to political ethics, media entities must be permitted to operate freely, and citizens must be able to voice their opinions without fear of reprisal. Citizens’ Ethical Conduct: Political ethics extend beyond legislators and government officials. Citizens are expected to responsibly engage in political discourse and participation, fostering civility and productive dialogue.
Both citizens, aspiring and political scientists are concerned about the current state of political ethics in Trinidad and Tobago.The recent decision by the chair of the ethical council to monitor the behaviour of political parties due to the upcoming 2023 local elections has raised concerns regarding the timing and history of the enforcement of ethical standards. It appears that enforcement of political ethics has been lax despite the numerous ethical violations that have occurred in the legislature.
Transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption initiatives are essential components of political ethics that public officials must uphold. There should be no conflicts of interest, and decisions should be made with the public’s best interests in mind. Respect for the rule of law and human rights, in addition to impartial and inclusive political processes, are fundamental components of ethical political conduct.
Politicians are expected to uphold ethical standards in their campaigns during elections, avoiding misinformation and hate speech that could undermine the democratic process. Freedom of the press and freedom of speech are also essential for the development of a politically ethical society.
However, political ethics should not be limited to politicians and government officials. Citizens are also expected to engage in political discourse and participation responsibly, fostering civility and productive dialogue. Overall, Trinidad and Tobago’s political landscape demonstrates the need for a stronger commitment to political ethics, and efforts to enforce and uphold ethical standards should be prioritized in order to create a more transparent, accountable, and just society.
(Paul Sarran is a student pursuing a Political Science degree at the University of the West Indies OC in St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago.
He is currently in his final years of college and has intentions to become a Political Scientist or an Independent Senator)
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