NewsWhore
09-07-2007, 02:21 PM
In her recent column published in Hoy and Clave Digital, Temple University professor Rosario Espinal comments that politics in the DR is a national pastime. She tells the story of a carpenter she hired several months ago who complained that times were boring because there was no election campaigning going on, explaining that he missed the music and gift giving that come with the elections.
"From now to 15 May there will be many parties, disco lights and caravans, the candidates will be giving out hugs and kisses, and many gifts to keep people enthused and motivate those who are not, and their photos will be everywhere," she writes, commenting on the premature start of the campaign. She says she is not against elections, and feels that they are crucial for citizens to have some influence in choosing their government. "But the form and content of our elections does not contribute to improving democracy," she states.
"The pseudo show prevails. Candidates and parties do not debate substantial proposals and they do not have the track record to convince the population of the promises they make," she writes.
"Poll after poll, most Dominicans say that they do not trust the parties. Nevertheless, together with the churches, they are the most successful organizations when it comes to mobilizing Dominican society," she writes.
"Before the 80s, the parties mobilized people for ideas. Now they do so for clientelism," she explains. And then she remembered her carpenter and a light bulb came on. She concludes that the reason why so many Dominicans continue to vote, even if the parties and the candidates who come to power do not contribute to improving people's living conditions, is that they are entertained.
"I propose then, now that all the candidates are campaigning without the official start of the campaign, that the Central Electoral Board modify its mission statement. Instead of establishing rules that will not be met or accounted for, it should ensure the level of entertainment.
"I propose the creation of the Central Electoral Board (JCE) Department for Campaign Animation, with the collaboration of all the parties and the media.
"The political slogans in newspapers, radio and TV (paid or donated) will be varied and colorful. Participating journalists and news commentators will receive special compensation for contributing to the animation. All can be carried out without fear or risks. There is no room for a military coup in Dominican territory in the next few years. So, let's party."
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#8)
"From now to 15 May there will be many parties, disco lights and caravans, the candidates will be giving out hugs and kisses, and many gifts to keep people enthused and motivate those who are not, and their photos will be everywhere," she writes, commenting on the premature start of the campaign. She says she is not against elections, and feels that they are crucial for citizens to have some influence in choosing their government. "But the form and content of our elections does not contribute to improving democracy," she states.
"The pseudo show prevails. Candidates and parties do not debate substantial proposals and they do not have the track record to convince the population of the promises they make," she writes.
"Poll after poll, most Dominicans say that they do not trust the parties. Nevertheless, together with the churches, they are the most successful organizations when it comes to mobilizing Dominican society," she writes.
"Before the 80s, the parties mobilized people for ideas. Now they do so for clientelism," she explains. And then she remembered her carpenter and a light bulb came on. She concludes that the reason why so many Dominicans continue to vote, even if the parties and the candidates who come to power do not contribute to improving people's living conditions, is that they are entertained.
"I propose then, now that all the candidates are campaigning without the official start of the campaign, that the Central Electoral Board modify its mission statement. Instead of establishing rules that will not be met or accounted for, it should ensure the level of entertainment.
"I propose the creation of the Central Electoral Board (JCE) Department for Campaign Animation, with the collaboration of all the parties and the media.
"The political slogans in newspapers, radio and TV (paid or donated) will be varied and colorful. Participating journalists and news commentators will receive special compensation for contributing to the animation. All can be carried out without fear or risks. There is no room for a military coup in Dominican territory in the next few years. So, let's party."
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#8)