This region has always had democracy at its bedrock: we thrive because we treat everyone fairly, regardless of their opinions or likeability. When that social contract is broken, when we ignore the law because it is inconvenient, and people willingly accept and embrace that, then we have lost our way as a region. We need to regain that. We need to remember what is it that makes our region unique. We want citizens who support the ideals of this region: openness, democracy, friendship and cooperation.

I am sad to see that suddenly several people had problems with many aspects of forum administration, but never found it appropriate to bring it up before the relevant institutions. The problem with that is we end up becoming a secretive community, if we could even call ourselves a community at all, where we keep potential criticism and smoking guns as if they were political capital, ready for some future use. Concerns about the governance of our region are not political capital, they are not something to be shared and used as criticism only once those previously in power are dethroned.

Democracy requires honesty and openness, not only with foreigners, but also with those we consider our counterparts. If we have a problem, we say it to their faces. If we have a concern, we try to work it out. If we suspect wrongdoing, we contact the relevant authorities. By not doing that, by leaving the region out of it, we assume roles that are not ours, we weaken our democracy and turn one against another. I speak from personal experience when I say that silence is not the same as peace and prosperity. All regions suffer at times from inactivity, but not all regions suffer from drama and infighting like we do.

Our future generations will have to be careful in avoiding the trap of conformism and silent inactivity, for those must never be confused for educated debate and self-sustaining activity. Always question the government, not because it might be inherently evil, but rather because that is the duty of all citizens. Make your elected representatives remember what they were elected to do. An election is not an unlimited mandate. In reality, the mandates of elected official are very limited, and they always rely on the continued support of the population. Encourage your officials when they do good, when they follow the law and make the region a better place. But censure them when they are not doing their jobs, when they break the law and contribute to infighting and division. They are not perfect.

Democracy does not stop at the ballot box. You elect representatives, but you must also ensure their continue to act within the constraints of the law. If they do not, then you need to accept the hard truth, and demand that they rectify their actions. Democracy does not work if the elected is complicit with the government in the violation of the law. Understand their motives. Work to address their concerns. But never be accomplices. The moment you do that is the moment you surrender your power as a people. In short, if you want to keep being a thriving region, you must understand that power and authority do not lie with the government, they lie with you.

Kringalia
Former Delegate of the South Pacific