Re-inventing the opposition

Abstract

This week, on the second anniversary of its election, we will be discussing at length the success and letdowns of the government. In my estimation there was a fair share of both. I believe that a government's performance depends on an effective and well-oiled opposition, a crucial building block in any successful democracy. For example, when the PL were in opposition and they were being led by Dr Alfred Sant, people on the ground, even staunch Labour Party supporters, felt that there was little hope of winning an election with him at the helm. One could attribute a number of reasons for this situation, but it is useless discussing this at this stage as it is water under the bridge. The learning point here is that it is never a good thing to have a hobbling opposition. To have democratic, well-structured and organised communities, we need a healthy opposition. [Excerpt]