In previous postings, I have dilated on the dynamics of power; that it
should not be absolute, neither monopolized or consolidated. That power
belongs to the people, and they should choose those whom they should empower
to exercise power on their behalf. Those who should govern them. They also
have the right to revoke this empowerment to govern. This is the basis of a
constitutional as well as a democratic principle.

   However, democracy must not be seen to be only a principle; it must be
vibrant, it must be exercised, it must be acts in words and deeds. For
democracy to survive, the people need to nourish it, strengthen it, and
defend it, not only by words but in deeds, as well.

   Politics is the art of gaining power from the people in order to govern;
it is motivated by interest. Interest that is not govern by politics is
common, and form the basis for a common interest. People's attitude to
politics, therefore, is either driven by interest or is selflislessly
motivated. This is where people identify each other; and this is where their
struggles begin.

   A constitution is a legitimate basis for power; a power that is the
embodiment of the sovereign rights of the people. Since politics is all about
interest, an interest embedded in the different views and opinions we hold,
our quest for a common interest is rooted in a constitution, where we all owe
our allegiance to. It is the instrument in which our rights and freedoms are
subordinated, and which consequently determine the outcome of our political
deliberations and struggles.

   It is therefore not an accident, that constitutions have been corrupted,
flawed, manipulated, and written propitiously or unpropitiously at the
expense of one interest group politically to another interest group
politically. Thus, the composition and make up of a body, that formulates
constitutional provisions, is fundamental in the creation of a genuine
democractic establishment. A constitution must be structured, not only to
reflect the common ideals and aspirations of the people, but, also that power
must truly belong to them.

   To formulate such a constitution, I submit the emergence of a coalition of
Independent candidates; the main purpose is to form the majority in the next
parliament, and thereby, determine the structure and scope of our
constitution, upon which not only an incorruptible government machinery is
built, but a viable democractic mechanism, as well. The consensus arising
from this independent coalition, can see the birth of a new political entity.
A political entity that is attuned  with the real needs and aspirations of
the common people.

   Secondly, the people are the engines that makes democracy work. They,
therefore, should be organize to facilitate this role effectively. The people
must be organize to take back control of the power that belongs to them. They
must be civilly orientated to know the power that they command. The creation
of Citizen's empowerment organisations should be all over the country.

   In every village, within every ethnic group, a facilitator can be
identified; usually, in every ethnic set-up, there is a recognized ethnic
head, who commands the respect and guidance of the ethnic group. These
facilitators can be organized into a coordinating committee. This
coordinating committee, will address not only the common needs of the people,
but will ensure that people are govern under laws that they want, and are not
govern under laws that they don't want. They will make sure that those who
represent them are using the power they vested in them judiciously and in
their interest. This coordinating committee will be directed by an executive
committee, within an organization, that may be supported financially by
interested international organs.

  In every urban community, a faciliator can be identified. These
facilitators can be organized into a coordinating committee, that will serve
the above objectives. The common needs and yearnings of the people, is the
motivating force that guides their actions and activities. These citizen
empowerment organizations, will be committed to arousing the active
participation in civic responsibilites; to lobby the legislature to sponsor
certain bills in the house, or cause the rescission of any program, activity
or law, that is not in the general interest of the people; to facilitate, on
a self-help basis, community oriented programmes and activities; and lastly,
to participate actively in the politico-socio-economic activities that
governs their lives and their environment.

   In all this, the people will always be free to associate with any
political grouping of their choice. They will use this choice to determine
the people they want to elect to public office.

        Rene

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