From: gdtob dwnunder <gd2bdwnunder@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [ETSA] Re: Speech by President of Partidu Republikanu
Reply-To: ETSA@yahoogroups.com
There is a mountain of comparative literature demonstrating that presidential systems in developing countries are more likely to perform poorly on virtually every development indicator, to be plagued with high levels of corruption, that issues of KKN will increase because of cronyistic power alliances that develop by those loyal to a president so as to retain their own privelege and status, that such countries are more prone to crisis and collapse, etc. Presidentialism in post-conflict countries such as Timor Leste are also more prone to political exclusion of key groups in society as a result, hence giving rise to violent conflicts over the longer-term. There are only a few exceptions to these trends which have been well-established in volumes of works looking at democratic systems in developing and post-conflict countries. One must ask why or to what extent do these things apply to Timor Leste considering its recent crisis and that it had a mixed parliamentary and presidential system.
Here I only point to Gusmao's role in fomenting crisis as one issue because it is often neglected by Fretilin's critics. So too is the role of would-be power holders that lined up behing Gusmao and in other instances killed fellow Timorese in the name of Gusmao (or at least claimed they had his implicit endorsement). To think that Timor Leste will miraculously become transformed into a better functioning political system with an executive president is a pipe fantasy. It is also incredibly dangerous for the country over the longer term. In the Timorese context Gusmao is already a relatively old man that has lived beyond average male life expectency- he has even joked about this when visiting Melbourne Australia. The point is that Gusmao will not live forever. How will democratic transitions occur in the future if the political system's survival is dependent upon one person? That is, the only reason anyone argues for an executive presidency is because they want to see Gusmao become president because, as they will argue, he is highly popular and is able to unite society. Read differently, it is dependency on his charismatic leadership style. However, the reason an executive system works in the US is because the system is well-established (for all its flaws). At the same time, it is not true that Gusmao is nearly as popular as Australia's media or his supporters suggest. In fact, it is arguable Gusmao has become a devisive political figure who has lost his moral standing as a leader able to unite the people (if that was ever fully the case). It should also be remembered that the US is one of the few countries in the world where an executive presidential system actually performs well (depending on which sources you refer to of course). The point is that Timor Leste should not make a tragic mistake by changing what is already a good system that needs institutional strengthening.
This of course is the tragedy, the leader with the open heart potentially able to bring people together and act as a unifying leader (similar to the role of the King of Thailand) might have thrown this away, and in doing so has undermined other leaders that had the right skills for the right job. Yes, choose your leaders, but make sure they can do their jobs properly. And don't forget, so long as people are committed to a process rather than its destruction it is far more likely that one will encounter success, rather than conflict- the peace process in Aceh and recent local government elections in Aceh is the best example. In other words, the crisis in Timor happened because people chose for it to happen. You might not like it but that is simply the truth- pulling the trigger on a gun does not happen by accident.
Are you sure you are describing Xanana? I thought you were describing Alkatiri! Xanana is certainly does not have managerial skills, but he has Heart, he opens ears, he feels the people!!
Alkatiri has managerial skills, but unfortunately he is Blind, deaf, and love confrontation...
Ramos Horta only likes cameras + journalists, etc.
Choose your leader!
5 comments:
Dear all,
The first year of national leadership must be complementary one. The all current leaders all have strenght and weakness.
As East Timorese, we never exploit others negativity to againts other if we think somthing good for East Timor. Over all they are all the same.
The better is to make them work together under current political system and process.
The problem is not about change or not to change the system, but we all must agree to work under the newly established system.
Stop pushing each other beyond the limit.
It is all about habit and change our way of thinking.
Don't demand too much. " Quem quer tudo,tudo perde"
Adeus
It is true that Marii has confrontative nature. If you can't change him, you must change yourself.
I believe Xanana, Ramos Horta and Marii are great combination. Each of them has strenght and weakness. They are one unique team to complement each other for a better future of the nation.
But, individual, groups and parties try to destroy them that is not so good for East Timor.
One thing you must remember is this progressive confrontative nature is important for the growth of Democracy. But confrontative like Rebel Alfredo is notorious confrontation. He must never be elected as a Falintil.
So, progressive confrontation nature is a not bad one or even crime.
Loriku
yes, that is the way you potray and label Ramos Horta, but he is the heart of all political organism in East Timor.
Everyone has own function to perfom in a acceptable manner.
Your label is totally false
Loriku
maluk Sira,
Diak liu ita heteten malu hili Luolo Sai presidente Timor nian.
Lalika hili Ramos Horta sai presidenti mundo nia. Diak liu nia prepara a'an loron ida sai Sekjen UNO ka PBB nian nia iha poder ida nebe bele favorese diak liu ba Timor.
Se ita agora hili nia, militia Dili laran sei buka de tal maneira atu hamonu nia.
Xanana ema ema bolu nia traidor ida. Heka mak Ramos deit one.
Sai lider Timor henesan ita halo funu. Ne'e duni ema hanesan Ramos horta lalika sai presidenti
Obrigado
Orlando
Orlando,
O hanoin sala ona. O ba hili fali Luolo ida be kalan loron sura deit mak nia kolen halo funu nee entao ita lori Timor ba mout hotu. Ema sai Presidente nee tenki iha visao luan, matenek e labele koruptor. O ba husu didiak lai iha Parlamento se Osan Deputado sira nian sei iha ka ba para hotu iha Luolo nia Rekening.
Sukat
Post a Comment