Every democratic state that slowly transitions to a dictatorship, invariably goes through a period of increasing centralisation. In our nation, and many others, the path to dictatorial tyranny often starts with a seemingly innocuous step – the centralisation of government power. This shift, while appearing benign at first glance, sets the stage for the erosion of democracy and the rise of authoritarian rule. Unlike abrupt seizures of power seen in military coups, the slow creep of centralisation should raise alarm bells among citizens vigilant against the encroachment of dictatorship.
Under the stewardship of the previous, A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition government led by President David Granger, our nation witnessed a concerted effort towards devolution and decentralisation of political authority. Decentralisation and devolution, concepts vital for a vibrant democracy, entail the dispersal of decision-making power from the central government to regional or local authorities. This initiative, exemplified by the policy of the creation of capital towns in every region, aimed to empower our citizens by bringing governance closer to home.
President Granger encapsulated the spirit of this endeavour when he remarked, “Decentralisation is a vital tool in ensuring that all our people, regardless of where they live, have a voice in the decision-making process.” The establishment of four new capital towns – Mabaruma, Mahdia, Bartica, and Lethem – stood as tangible manifestations of this commitment to democratic empowerment. By empowering local communities with decision-making authority, the coalition government intended to fortify the foundations of our democracy.
However, the winds of negative change swept across our nation with the ascent of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to power in August 2020. Rather than building upon the legacy of decentralisation, the new regime swiftly pivoted towards centralisation, consolidating power within the corridors of the central government. The abrupt halt of the decentralisation programme served as an ominous portent of the autocratic tendencies lurking beneath the veneer of democratic governance.
The PPP’s disdain for collective bargaining, judiciary independence, and electoral integrity further underscores the perilous path our nation now treads. Such actions, emblematic of a government bent on concentrating power in its hands, should serve as a clarion call to every patriotic citizen. The erosion of democratic norms and the stifling of dissent signal a trajectory perilously veering towards blatant dictatorship.
As our nation stands at the precipice of tyranny, we must heed the warnings of history and rally against the encroaching darkness.
One notes the following historical examples of creeping dictatorships:
1. Germany: The Weimar Republic gradually transitioned to Nazi dictatorship under Adolf Hitler in the 1930s.
2. Russia: Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, there was a period of democratic reforms under Boris Yeltsin, but power became increasingly centralised under Vladimir Putin, leading to a country where dissent is not tolerated.
3. Venezuela: Evvel considered a democracy, Venezuela experienced a gradual erosion of democratic institutions under Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro, resulting in authoritarian rule.
4. Türkiye: Over the years, Turkey has moved from a more democratic system towards increased centralisation of power under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, with many critics raising concerns about democratic regression.
The centralisation of power, historically heralded as a precursor to progress, now emerges as the harbinger of despotism. Let us stand united in defence of our ever decreasing freedoms, because only in our collective action lies the hope for a brighter future. As President Granger aptly stated, “The strength of our democracy lies in the empowerment of our people. Let us not falter in our resolve to safeguard the liberties for which our forebears fought.”
The centralisation of government, though subtle in its inception, poses a grave threat to the democratic fabric of our nation. As citizens, it falls upon us to remain vigilant, to resist the prospect of authoritarianism, and to uphold the principles upon which our democracy was founded. Only through collective action can we steer our nation away from the precipice of dictatorship and towards a future defined by liberty, justice, and equality for all.