Maltese politicians, like many of their counterparts everywhere, are usually far too involved in the political hurly-burly and find little or no time to pause and reflect on the general state of their democratic environment as it evolves.

Democracy, like human beings, needs sustenance to ensure that it does not get sick. Diligent care may obviate the need of surgery. But regular check-ups are always advisable.

A check-up at this point in time will confirm that Maltese democracy made substantial progress during the past couple of decades, resulting in a relative degree of emancipation and empowerment of the citizen. I would argue, however, that the citizen made greater gains than the body politic.

In l987, Malta broke away from the tight grip of the overpowering state, and began to breathe more freely. The economy was gradually liberalised and private enterprise was given its head.

There was a growing realisation that no one owed us a living, and that our economic survival depended on our ability to earn our keep.

New dimension

From that time onwards, public opinion began to appreciate the need to strengthen and upgrade our infrastructure and to become more outward looking. The opening up and the gradual growth of the services sector gave a new dimension to our economy.

Pluralism in the broadcasting sector gave a new impetus to the island’s political life in that it defused the time bomb of political polarisation. The average citizen found new ways of expression. There was ample evidence that many ordinary citizens began to think with their own minds and to break away from the mould of tradition.

The introduction of local government offered scope for citizen activism and started, in a limited way, a process of devolution of power.

In Parliament, the main political parties agreed to the institution of a number of Parliamentary Standing Committees, making it possible for MPs to focus more closely on their business. The Office of the Ombudsman is in place and working satisfactorily.

And Malta has acceded to the European Union, with a majority of Labour MEPs sitting in the European Parliament.

Outstanding shortcomings

There is good reason to be thankful for these blessings. Maltese democracy has matured appreciably in recent years. But this is not to say that the patient needs no further attention.

Malta’s public administration ails still. Recent events have shown that authoritarianism, and the arrogance it breeds, still lurk in some of the corridors of power. Ministerial arrogance has not been tamed, Each and every relapse is a democratic crime.

This makes a parody of the invocations on the transparency of government. It has made a mess of public finance to the point of burdening Malta with a staggering structural deficit and a debt bill running to Lm1.5 BILLION at last count.

The administration is still incapable of giving meaningful support to decision-makers in the private sector. Another gaping hole in the administrative fabric is the government’s inability to control and co-ordinate the activities of a growing number of quangos and regulators. Some of these quangos have gone berserk in so far as management and financial discipline is concerned. Some regulators have distinguished themselves by their somnolence.

The consequences are bound to live with us for some time, and there will be a cost until past errors and omissions are made good.

Above all, the Gonzi administration currently finds itself struggling hard to make amends for the excesses of the Fenech Adami money no problem years, and is committed to an ongoing austerity programme at a time when the economy is panting for breath.

Impurities in bloodstream

All of this made an imprint on the Maltese financial, administrative and social milieu, and has a bearing on the future development of our democratic process. The Maltese body politic will function with far greater vitality if its bloodstream is free of impurities, and it if is unshackled by social dislocation and constraints.

Whatever politicians do, Malta’s emancipated electorate will no doubt take measure of these pitfalls.

There is yet another delicate and sensitive area, which may continue to be a serious flaw obstructing democratic development, and which ought to claim priority consideration by an enlightened electorate.

Secret and fair elections are supposed to be essential prerequisites to the democratic process that presumes not only pluralism and the right of political dissent, but also efficient machinery for the alternation of power. In turn, this means that contestants for political office, be they individuals or political parties, ought to be free of handicaps in equal measure.

Surely the time has come to settle once and for all the issue of electoral reform in order to overcome deadlock, that so often undermines governability, and to exorcise the gerrymandering demons.

Moreover, it is ridiculous in this day and age to expect political candidates to abide by a limit of Lm600 for their electoral expenses. The parody of the candidates being formally required to swear on oath that they have observed the law makes a mockery of our political institutions.

The fact that there is no law which limits total electoral expenditure by political parties, and the added fact that political parties are not required by law to disclose the source of their funding, does not dispose of the sinister possibility of hidden foreign interests, and of faceless but powerful financial interests throwing their weight against the free electoral sentiment of the Maltese people.

Corrupt practices

These areas are open to corrupt practices. Neither the Constitution, nor the pertinent laws, address this overall issue that has been hanging in the air too long for comfort.

True enough, Rome was not built in a day. While it is gratifying that significant progress has been registered in recent years to strengthen the democratic process, urgent work is called for to make sure that the democratic foundations are as strong as we can possible make them.

Deep down, this issue has little or nothing to do with European Union membership. It has to do with our national democratic sentiments.

The mentality that will arrest progress is that of the bunker – and, happily, the biggest part of the Maltese electorate has moved out of the bunker.

As voters become more emancipated and less deferential, they will become more mature, fresh-thinking and above party pettiness. The future beckons.

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