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The Democratic Rally will be holding a vote this weekend to choose new members for its central political office (politburo) with elections also slated for other party ranks, such as the women’s organisation GODISY. The vacancies follow recent changes when Christos Stylianides became Commissioner, having already given up his party office as an MEP, while party deputy leader Lefteris Christoforou will replace him in the European Parliament and thus also gave up his party seat.
Although Saturday’s procedure may seem to be democratic, it will have little or no impact on the daily lives of DISY supporters, let alone ordinary folk who are struggling to make ends meet or hold on to a much-needed job.
But considering that this is the ruling party that backs President Anastasiades’ policies (or at least seems to) and that it is perceived to be the most democratic of all political groupings, it is about time DISY started acting like a front-runner and not a laggard that simply follows events.
Too much filth has come out into the open in recent months, especially as regards corruption in the civil service, abuse of power while in public office and incompetence of decision makers on key issues, whether these range from local administration and the sewerage companies, all the way up to handling state policy, hiring and firing public servants, managing public companies and advising the president.
What is lacking within the ruling party is quality and depth, both in the calibre of individuals as well as in the mindset of a few people.
Recent events, frustration over continued unemployment and loss of family income have forced many people to seek out the basics, that is, core values of democracy, transparency, equality, tolerance and meritocracy.
One would expect the Democratic Rally, that was originally set up based on these five simple fundamentals, to lead the way. People are desperate for new and fresh leadership, but they have no one they can turn to as the ruling party has also lowered its standards and is no different from the other noise makers.
Change needs courage. And the leadership of the ruling party must find that courage to start the process for new blood, or at least push forward people that seem trustworthy in the public eye. There is no succession at the top of the party and, as with many other parties, they are only going from one election to the other, not really having the long-term public interest in mind.
Hopefully, after this weekend’s internal by-election, the ball will start rolling for a general overhaul. People want to be respected as ordinary citizens and voters, they want to be told the truth and they want to be inspired that this land has a worthwhile future.
