Dear Editor – On the outset, let me try and define what politics is.
The definition is somewhat simple that it is often loosely used or applied. And when it is watered down in its usage and application it is often called politicking.
But first, politics is about winning and using of power to govern society. Secondly, politics is a person belief about how a country or a state should be governed.
And thirdly, a study of the art of governing or the government of the state; it means the administration of the state affairs.
The second meaning of politics is more applicable at a situation like what Solomon Islands is looking forward to in a couple of months’ time.
That is the general election. To put it comprehensively, it is about how well a country should be governed and so the self- assessment comes, a certain person would think for himself as the best person to have a shot at the position of governing, so comes the campaigning and the politicking.
The third definition of politics is more theory; by which individuals pursue classroom learning of the subject called political science.
There had already been some Solomon Islanders graduated in this subject and become lecturers in some universities within the region for many years since. Such persons may be potential candidates but not essentially good politicians because of the politicking aspects that surround politics.
Politics in Solomon Islands is not about how much you know; rather it is about “who you know” and that is the root of the sickness known as corruption. It is premised on “blood is thicker than water”.
When the notion is applied, it squares out any common sense and deprives the state and its citizens from sound and conducive policies for development in all sectors to a certain extent.
As it dwindles with money, any fool can contest as long as he/she has the capital. Not to say that only candidates with money can win; but more of it; meaning more money.
Throwing up of huge and lavish evening parties at this time is already money disguise. The limit set by the government for campaigning purposes is but a minute drop of water in the ocean nowadays and is not worth crying over, when it comes to politicking.
Who should be blamed for such extravaganza; but the system and the few advantageous rich?
Essentially, winning a political warfare, is not necessarily knowing politics or having something development in nature in mind; it is about how much one could have easy access to in terms of money and materials goods to be at his/her disposal to convince or confuse, whichever the case may be, the voters, so as to secure a seat that concave – shaped building up the hills overlooking the iron bottom sound for a period of four years.
For the out-going MPS, now ordinary citizens, it should be an easy ride because they are in possession of lucrative financial benefits but a warning, don’t throw your perks all in one basket, because if you lost the rat–race, poor as you could , you would become, and would continue to be until Kingdom come.
That is not character assassination, nor a curse so to speak, but some food for thought and some of us a free for duress to warn others of danger ahead, just like the prophets of the old, hence this piece of reminder.
In any case reminders are not laws, nor are they facts between life and death if not needed. Rather they are precautionary hints before one crosses the bridge.
Some would say and think it’s none of anybody’s business but Solomon Islands is such a small country, and anything that might affect one, could affect all.
To the intending and intenders think carefully otherwise, you will be “jumping from the frying pan into the fire”, as the saying goes.
Some have had many years of service in either the public sector or the private sector and are looking forward to some generous pay- outs for long and dedicated services.
But that might be cut out because of politics and politicking.
However, freedom is calling; choose the best, regret not in the years to come. In any parliamentary elections, only one out of the many could win a seat in and given constituency. That is common knowledge, otherwise common sense.
John Tinonibona
Tulagi, Gela
