Monday, January 14, 2008

Democracy Rules

At this time of year it is customary to reflect on the year gone and the year to come.

One theme that emerges from last year were the struggles around the world to achieve or defend democracy...

-In August Burmese Monks were engaged in pro-democracy action, demanding an end to military rule in the country.

-The efforts of international forces including British forces continued to help support Iraq and Afghanistan in developing democratic societies.

-On December 27th, Benazir Bhutto, who had returned to Pakistan to participate in elections was assassinated. This was condemned by the international community as an "an assault on stability in Pakistan and its democratic processes."

-On the same date elections in Kenya took place but widespread violence later erupted as the results of the poll were disputed. International observers refused to declare the elections free and fair. In one constituency voter turn out was a dubious 115%. The violence has so far claimed the lives of 600 people.

-In South Ribble's local elections in May 2007 things were a little less dramatic but not without controversy.

The local Conservative Party offered money, if they were elected to run South Ribble Borough Council, to fund a judicial review for the local campaign group, RAWS (Residents Against the Waste Site) who were protesting against the Farington Waste Plant .

This was seen as a cyncial electioneering stunt and as questions continued to be asked about the legality of such a donation a mystery donor came forward to offer £40,000 to RAWS thus saving the Conservative's having to honour their pledge or answer further questions as to its legality. Perhaps 2008 will be the year they come clean as to the legal advice they received?

It further emerged that the local Conservative MP candidate had received money from the controversial Lord Ashcroft who targets marginal seats with funding between elections to get around the rules about limits to election spending. See previous posts here and here.

Despite all this your local Labour councillors and representatives continue to work hard raising your concerns and holding the Conservatives to account.