Is Democracy appropriate in a modern world?

By STEVE ALVAREZ DPTT Political Leader

Most people would not want their gardener running their hospital unless he or she was qualified to do so. It is different in politics. Under a democratic system, the job for heading the administration of a country, one that affects almost every aspect of the lives of the citizens in that Nation, is given to the person who is most popular.

It is not given to the most qualified, mentally stable, wealthy or morally endowed. Is that model appropriate in a modern world where technology, economic policies and engineering developments are changing the way countries are managed and developed? Historically, most of the developed countries emerged from a monarchical structure where the leader was not concerned about being removed from office simply because he or she was unpopular. This allowed for leaders to take decisions that in their opinion were best for the kingdom. In a democracy, leaders are faced with balancing doing that which is best with that which is popular. At a time when global development requires the brightest and the best to take decisions that can positively impact the many, democracy seems to lead one in a direction that is opposed to such development.

Billions of dollars in contracts awarded to contractors

In Trinidad & Tobago for example there was the experience where a leader popularly elected, appointed an acquaintance to manage the health department. That person, a lecturer with no knowledge of the health sector, indicated that she was surprised that she was asked to do the job. Under that administration billions of dollars in contracts were awarded to contractors that ordinarily may not have qualified to reach the tender stage. That leader is still popular today. In the United Kingdom, there is the current situation where the majority voted to leave the European Union. Up to the time of this article the British Parliament was finding it difficult to agree on an appropriate way to leave that will be beneficial but popular. In the Ukraine, a man who acts as a President in a television show is poised to win an election as President while there are many questions about his qualification to run a country. There are examples worldwide of popular leaders who did not possess the diplomatic skills or the academic qualifications to lead a Nation. These popular leaders have taken decisions that led to nationwide poverty, lawlessness, wars, economic and social decline. In Trinidad & Tobago, lawlessness is increasing daily. Murders, squatting on public and private lands, poor infrastructure and declining healthcare and education are slowly becoming the norm. It is critical that at this juncture of our development we choose a leader who is qualified to do the job rather than one who is just popular. The question remains, is that possible? The world would shortly be faced with finding a new model for choosing leaders. One that ensures our leaders are qualified to manage a Nation. A meritocracy. China seems to be leading the way in that direction. Perhaps it is time to recognize that not because it’s popular, it is good for the many.