THE NEED FOR POLITICAL MATURITY IN THE GAMBIA'S POLITICAL SPACE

THE NEED FOR POLITICAL MATURITY 

By: Sulayman Lecturer Darboe

Political Science Student, 

University of The Gambia

Perhaps, a question first! Do you know that a country with a mature political system often has socio-economic prowess? Political Maturity of a country is highly linked to it's standard of development across sectors. Almost all countries with massive socio-economic strength has mature political systems. This is because  economic and social dimensions  are arguably  controlled by the political class. Major decisions that bring about major economic and social growth are mostly taken by the political class which ultimately influence the lives of citizens. When decisions, initiatives, constructive political arguments are tabled politically with maturity;  citizens enjoy positive outcomes. The reverse  is negative on citizens when political immaturity surface.

What is political maturity? (Dibora, 2009)  sees political maturity and  personal maturity to be linked. According to her, "if you have a society  where people are personally mature, by definition, they would be politically mature". From this, it can be sensed that one's own maturity is linked to one's own political maturity. Maturity mean a capacity to resist projecting ones bad feelings, anxious behaviors and confusions onto other people (Dibora, 2019). Therefore, in the domain of politics, Political maturity could mean a capacity to resist projecting one's bad feelings, anxious behaviors  and confusions on other people. Do you know Hamat N.K Bah- a politician from Gambia? Can you relate his actions and behaviors to this definition of political maturity?

When maturity in politics is given space, citizens' interest is aroused. They respect and value the rules of  political system of the government. They see themselves as part of the system.  According to Michael Oakeshott, "a system of  government is stable and acceptable when the persons involved in it think it important that they should keep all the rules".  However, with immaturity,  politics is hated and frowned. This lead to low interest and trust of citizens in the political sphere. It is important to note that an exploitative politician always wants a confused Political system where citizens will have low interest. This allows him to merely benefit from the cake all alone. Evil! Politics is not bad. Politics without maturity is what makes it bad.

Politics is life. It's arguably in every social activity human beings are involved in. This is why Aristotle calls it 'the master science'.  

It's purpose is genuine. Heywood (2017) sees it as , "an activity through which people attempt to change their lives and create the good society". Sadly, the political spectrums of most African countries including the  Gambia, are completely incompatible with the  democratic principles and the liberal ideology. Instead of creating the good society. African Politicians including Gambians, continue to create the  bad society. At this juncture, it will be important to differentiate between a good society and a bad society. A good society thrives on the basis of respect for humanity, improved standard of living, social cohesion, acceptance of diversities (cultures, views etc). A bad society on the other hand heavily frowns at all the mentioned characteristics posses by a good society. 

Furthermore, to better understand what a bad society is, think about a small nation-state like the  Gambia where tribes see one and another as superiors and inferiors, natives and migrants etc. Politics is seen as a great contributor towards such  a decay.  Instead of campaigning on policies, ills such as character assassinations, tribal sentiments, lies and incalculable promises are common.  This is further  seen in the relationships between  politicians themselves and also between politicians and citizens. In the Gambia, just like most African countries,  Politicians fight and argue on each other's character rather than policies. This makes me ask the following questions:

Is it because of the absence of convincible and presentable plans for citizens that some Political figures concentrate on the personalities of their opponents, making comments on tribal lines amongst others, instead of their policies? Is it because of mediocrity? Perhaps, it is because of inadequate resourceful education!  As the race for the top position is getting gradually intensified, there is a need for maturity both amongst Political figures and the citizens. This is because, the Gambia has suffered from instances of immaturity from Politicians in their pursuit for electoral positions. Instead of policies, focus is often given to personalities and tribal comments.  

In order to win the trust and the vote of a vulnerable Gambian citizen who has already suffered undeservedly by mediocre Politicians, or should I say ' dunce policians' ? factual policies with attainable objectives should be presented. It should not be based on lies or deceit. It should be based on the principles and values of honesty and respect in recognition of the suffering of  citizens regardless of their location, appearance, ethnicity or level of education.

Most Gambians have labelled you (politicians hunting for positions) as greedy, selfish and deceitful individuals not because they abhor politics. You are only labelled  because of the image you (politicians) have succeeded in arguably painting the Political system with. 

 Besides, "man is by nature a political animal"- Aristotle . So he who hates politics unknowingly hates himself.

The highest level of political immaturity in this country is the fact that the neccesstites such as water and electricity  that citizens should enjoy as taxpayers, are used as tools to win elections. Perhaps, Politicians should be told that with   reliable water, electricity supply and other basic necessities, they can easily be voted in offices without fake  promises.  

Do the work and people see. When they see, they will vote you.  

In conclusion, maturity in politics can improve lives sustainably. It means a common Politicians  will: -act and speak in a democratic political language without been offensive

- think ethically and morally and;

- be cognizant of the consequences of his actions on the people.

Reference:

Dibora, V.( 2019). 'Political Maturity in today's society' (Accessed: December 23, 2020) Available at:"http://kutower.com/2019/09/26/op-ed-notes-political-maturity/#.X-R-sRcPhds.link"

Oakeshott, M. 'Political Maturity' retrieved: "https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.michael-oakeshott-association.com/pdfs/mo_political_maturity.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjNvrKIv-btAhUKSxUIHencCYIQFjABegQIDxAB&usg=AOvVaw3zjRaQVADw9KCCnezyKchx&cshid=1608808664703" (Accessed 20, December 2020)

Heywood, A .  (2017) 4th edition, The palgrave Macmillan POLITICS