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| Anniversary logo created by Rawlins Boodhan at Advertising Associates, Montrose, Chaguanas |
One year ago the coalition of interests that formed the partnership defeated the People's National Movement (PNM) led by Patrick Manning, winning 29 of the 41 seats in Parliament.
It was an historic event since for the first time in the history of this country a coalition was formed BEFORE an election and it got a resounding endorsement from the people.
One year ago, few thought the People's Partnership's "coalition of interests" would endure.
Unlike most coalitions, which are hastily assembled after an election and without a clear mandate from the electorate, Persad-Bissessar's experimental democracy brought together before the election, the opposition parties that shared a common interest in radically transforming Trinidad & Tobago's downward spiral towards becoming a failed state.
The coalition gave voters a choice between a single hegemonic political institution, and an unprecedented cross-section of interests representing everyone from the elite to the poor and dispossessed.
The coalition gave voters a choice between a single hegemonic political institution, and an unprecedented cross-section of interests representing everyone from the elite to the poor and dispossessed.
This approach differed from past attempts at unifying the opposition because it retained distinctiveness and unity among independent parties without building a singular party where diversity can be consumed by party-whips.
The People's Partnership focussed a chaotic and fractured opposition into a single group with a shared focus while its component elements retained their respective political philosophies and support within their communities.
Today, through caution, creativity, tenacity, and a long-term strategy of putting people first and of governing through consultation, Persad-Bissessar has ensured that the coalition has not only survived, it has grown stronger.
Today, through caution, creativity, tenacity, and a long-term strategy of putting people first and of governing through consultation, Persad-Bissessar has ensured that the coalition has not only survived, it has grown stronger.
Through the coalition of interests experiment, Trinidad and Tobago was able to choose a government much more representative of the nation's political, social, cultural, and economic diversity.
It brought parties and perspectives to government that would have otherwise been structurally barred due to our "first past the post" electoral system.
These women and men negotiated their alliance and openly sought and received the endorsement from the people in the historic 2010 election.
In one year Persad-Bissessar has battered many storms. However through a disciplined form of constructive criticism within her cabinet and caucus, the basis of unity remains.
In one year Persad-Bissessar has battered many storms. However through a disciplined form of constructive criticism within her cabinet and caucus, the basis of unity remains.
It is a tribute to her political acumen and also to the concept that she has engineered - a coalition of interests, for the people, by the people.
Jai Parasram | 24 May 2011
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