No vain promises to the electorate

It is said that the politician will promise to build bridges even when there are no rivers.

Promises in themselves are not bad because they keep hope alive. However, it is promising what one cannot offer that is the problem because then, hopes are dashed.

It is this propensity of man not to fulfil his promises that an Akan adage literally interpretes as “never rely on the promises of the have-not”.

This is why we find the advice given by President John Mahama last Monday to aspiring Members of Parliament (MPs) to be moderate in their promises to the electorate, to prevent pressure from the electorate for the provision of public goods and services when they enter Parliament, as very timely.

“During electioneering promises must not be made at delivering heavens and earth. Promises must be realistic,” he said.

We agree with the President, that the MPs’  foremost duties are to represent their constituents in Parliament, and participate in parliamentary debates and work of Parliament.

MPs are also required to serve as the voice of the people in righting any injustice they may suffer and serve as agents of change and progress in their constituencies.

On the contrary, MPs have used their campaign platforms to promise infrastructure and other mouth-watering social interventions, knowing very well that it was not in their capacity to provide those things.

As a result of the big promises they churn out on their campaign trail while distributing sums of money to followers and sympathisers, MPs are viewed as “Father Christmases” with the answers to all problems.

It is, therefore, no wonder that when they eventually win their constituency seats, community members line up morning, noon and night demanding school fees and other personal things, as well as capital projects.

It is not the place of members of the legislature to oversee development projects in their constituencies but perhaps they could influence decisions because by virtue of their position they become elders or opinion leaders.

The metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) are tasked to ensure the development of areas under their jurisdiction while the MPs become the voice of their constituents, ensuring the passage of laws that would allow development for the good of all.

In any case, how will the MPs ensure proper scrutiny of the national purse by asking the relevant questions about government projects if they themselves are involved in sourcing funds for development? The legislature holds the purse string of the government and the Daily Graphic thinks that it would be difficult for MPs to do this job if they also become spending officers.

To raise the confidence of the citizenry in the legislature and our leaders, we urge our MPs and indeed all politicians to refrain from making vain promises, especially as the 2016 election approaches.