With the approval of incoming members’ credentials (see Tuesday newspaper) all is set for the September 20 swearing-in of the next Parliament elected on August 19. That does not mean the URSM/DP/PFP/SAM majority government created soon afterwards will be installed at the same time.
After all, the final report of “formateur” Luc Mercelina is not due until November 15. His tasks include a governing programme with 10 points indicated by Governor Ajamu Baly based on his pre-consultations.
While three of the four outgoing coalition parties are returning in the Mercelina II Cabinet, new partner SAM must no doubt be given a bit of policy input. Its candidate Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling and PFP’s nominee for Education, Science, Culture and Youth (ECYS) also need to be screened.
To be sure, this process is nothing like the earlier-mentioned perusal of credentials in the legislature. The latter merely confirms that the necessary documents are in order, not whether the future parliamentarian is apt for holding legislative office.
Some have suggested they should also be investigated. However, there is a big difference between an elected representative and an appointed public administrator in the executive branch, who has access to community funds and can take day-to-day decisions.
In any case, any such screening would have to take place long before the vote and involve all wishing to get onto the ballot. Once elected, barring someone from representing the people afterwards will understandably be considered highly questionable in a democratic sense.
Truth be told, it seems like can of worms best left unopened.
