Oct 27 – GSLP-Libs Pledge To Continue Democratic Reforms If Re-Elected
The GSLP-Liberal Alliance is committed to “revolutionise” the democratic process and push for further parliamentary reforms if re-elected next month.
The Alliance has said it will reconstitute the cross-party select committee to report back to Parliament by September 2016, re-publish the Bill for the Freedom of Information Act in order to allow it to become law in the first quarter of 2016 and have an independent auditor audit the Office of the Principal Auditor. The party also vows to continue pressing for a ministerial and parliamentary code of conduct, improve access to historical Government documents online, as well as roll out the e-Government functions for holders of the new ID card.
Speaking at a press conference held earlier today, the Leader of the GSLP Fabian Picardo said his Government had been the pioneer in opening democracy to the public.
He said: “The choice that people have in this election is the choice between those who have demonstrated real commitment to democratic and parliamentary reform, those who have opened up the doors to our government, our parliament, our democracy and those who have been saying the same things they have said for 16 years while they kept those doors firmly shut. Those who kept the padlock tightly closed now pretend to bring something to this debate.”
The Leader of the Liberal Party, Dr Joseph Garcia, said: “It is essential to go back and compare what exists now and what existed before. We have created a revolution in the way Gibraltar works and the way parliament works.”
Some of the changes brought about over the past four years have included: the live streaming of parliament meetings, monthly meetings of parliament, running a cabinet-style government and the hiring of “the best people for the job despite political allegiance.”
The Alliance also said it was proud that the Chief Minister responds to questions from the electorate once a quarter, the Government now posts online expense reports and ensures that correspondence is answered within set deadlines.
Mr Picardo added: “We were not just ready to talk the talk, but we were ready to walk the walk the minute the people of Gibraltar allowed us to, and now there’s no going back.
“All the things we are hearing from the GSD in relation to these issues is just a pitiful catch up. In the 16 years they had to do things, they implemented none of the detailed proposals outlined in their manifesto, election after election.
“If people want to see the process of parliamentary and democratic reform continue, and we haven’t reached the end of the line, there’s much more to do, they have got to stick with the reformists.“
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