What is Fixin TnT true motive?
Dear Editor:
Fixin TnT is calling for the head of Independent Senator, Dr. Dhanayshar Mahabir. They are basing this call on an interview he did after the 2007 election, in which he concluded that there is no room for third parties in this country.
I am sure, as an excellent economist and user of statistics, Dr. Mahabir used the data set presented to him (the 1981 and 2007 elections) to come to his conclusion. The evidence was glaring. In those two specific years, the third party in the election, while having some measure of popularity, was unable to secure a single seat. I am sure this was what prompted him to come to his conclusion.
Now, in the Constitutional Reform debate last week, the government accepted Dr. Mahabir’s recommendation to give third parties with a strong showing the chance to also be included in the run off elections (if they get more 25% of the vote or if the difference between the second placed and third placed parties is 5% or less). This is a 180 degree turn around of his initial position. In fact, his recommendation has now given credible third parties a legitimate chance to survive. The government accepted it without hesitation, thus nullifying the chorus of detractors who was preaching that this piece of legislation was “fire and brimstone” for third parties. If that was their motive, they could have rejected Dr. Mahabir’s recommendations since all they needed was the support of one independent senator and eventually they received three. However , the actions of the government speak to a more noble intention, that is to truly give the people a majority government.
So it baffles me, what is Fixin TnT true motive? Most were against the Constitutional amendments because of the run-off proposal. That was adjusted to include third parties. Now they are calling for the head of the man who suggested the changes. Is it that, seven years after the fact, Dr. Mahabir cannot change his position? To me this is call is highly illogical.
Anil Roopnarine
via email