Dear Editor,
This is purely anecdotal but I have spoken with quite a cross-section of DRP “activists” and members on several occasions and what has always surprised me is that they are poorly educated on the need to take a stand on political matters. Case in point, the DRP has never unambiguously said whether they leaned left or right in political matters, often alternating between ill-defined irrational religious conservatism (condemning the establishment of diplomatic ties with Israel and promoting capital punishment) and anti-establishment views (debating the religiosity of veiled women in Islam). This lack of consistency may be very convenient for the DRP’s leadership, however, its members almost unfailingly come across as confused individuals who cannot explain the reasons why they oppose or support the actions of their own party.
Although it is acceptable in politics for political leaders to goad the masses with dumbed-down slogans without fully explaining the rationale behind campaigns, the DRP takes too much advantage of its members, in my view. Their lack of internal democracy has ensured that most of their general members do not understand democratic processes. However, I do believe that most DRP members would place national interest at the fore if they weren’t so frenzied up by leading DRP activists who seem to view matters of state as a soccer match between the MDP administration and the DRP-controlled legislative. What the DRP needs are a few individuals who truly believe in democracy to educate those of the general public registered as DRP members and lead them in a revolution against the present leadership and then they might actually become the opposition they wish to be.
Regards,
Anonymous
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