A republic, often overlooked, is designed to restrict democracy. This can be beneficial for a country like Trinidad and Tobago. Democracy, dating back to ancient Athens in the fifth century BCE, was based on majority rule (excluding slaves). However, the Greeks soon realized that democracy led to mob rule, causing chaos and war, eventually leading to tyranny.
The concept of a Republic – governance by elected officials according to established laws – was introduced in ancient Rome in 509 BCE as a solution to this cycle. During the establishment of the United States, the founding fathers faced similar concerns about democratic oppression. James Madison, writing in the Federalist Papers in 1787, expressed that democracies often lead to turbulence and contention, posing a threat to personal security and property rights.
In Trinidad and Tobago, citizens can relate to these challenges 237 years later. The American founding fathers addressed these issues through the Electoral College system, where presidents are not elected solely by popular vote, but by obtaining a majority from states with assigned votes. Similarly, in T&T, the first-past-the-post voting system allows parties to win government without majority support, leading to conflict in a multi-ethnic society where party loyalty often surpasses national interests.
To tackle these challenges, various political strategies can be implemented, such as proportional representation, run-off or range voting, and restructuring Parliament. However, politicians tend to benefit from the current system, as they only need to sway a small number of voters in marginal constituencies to secure office, rather than serving the broader population.
The rejection of reform proposals, including proportional representation, by past leaders highlights the reluctance to change the status quo. The idea of a true republic goes beyond constitutional amendments and removing colonial vestiges; it requires a deeper understanding of republican principles and their embodiment in the parliamentary model.
By educating citizens on the essence of a republic and creating a parliamentary system that reflects these values, Trinidad and Tobago can potentially overcome many political obstacles. This shift in mindset and governance structure could lead to a more inclusive and representative democracy that serves the interests of the majority, rather than a select few.
