As Dominicans looks towards new general elections in Dominica in 2010, there are many strategies that local political parties can adopt from the Obama presidential campaign. In fact the Dominica Freedom Party has already adopted one: the DFP said it intends to raise money via the internet. But that strategy many h ave limited success since only about ten percent of Dominicans now have access to the internet.
One other lesson we can learn from the Obama campaign it that polities do not always have to be nasty and can be based on the discussion of issues rather than the slinging of mud. Dominican politicians would benefit from emulating the graciousness that john McCain showed after he lost the elections.
Yes, Obama was tough on McCain and his connection to Bush but he did not delve in the gutter polities than the Republicans have developed into an art form. Is it too naive to expect Dominican politicians to adopt a new style to politics and grow out of the corrupt political culture that, unfortunately have characterized election campaigning in the past.
There is no doubt that Obama’s success has made a massive impact on the psyche of Dominicans, and with words like “Yes, we can†and “Change we can believe in†echoing through everyone minds, we may be advised to seriously consider the things we need to change if we are interested in building a secure future for Dominica.
If Dominican politicians are to embrace the example of the Republicans and Democrats, there is one issue that has to be settled. That is electoral reform. Elections must not only be free and fair but must be perceived to be free and fair.
Finally, Dominicans have to change their general attitude to work. It’s obvious that unless there is a great improvement in production and productivity in all sectors, there will not be any positive changes in the level of employment, and Dominica’s brains and brawn will continue to migrate. There are just a few of the changes we should believe in as an island nation.
What are some other changes you think Dominicans on a whole should believe in. let’s hear them in the comments.
