By ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ (GREEK) TÜRKÇE (TURKISH)
Is it possible that the necessary democratic process of elections can become a “curse”? Under certain circumstances, yes. And if we are talking about Cyprus, even more so. I am not referring to the substance of the process but rather to moments in time that are exponentially influenced by this particular factor. And I explain:
– In the 1990s, George Vassiliou fought hard to pull the Cyprus problem out of the mire of stagnation. He succeeded in mobilising the UN Secretary-General who in turn put together the well-known “Ghali Set of Ideas”. But we were approaching the ’93 presidential elections and Glafkos Clerides, although in line with Vassiliou’s policy on the Cyprus problem, had to formulate the opposing narrative. This became known as “burying the Ghali Ideas”. Clerides won the elections with this slogan, which also convinced DIKO to follow him, and he proceeded, in his first five years, on a path that departed from his own pragmatic philosophy.
– When Clerides’ turn came to follow his own policy and to shape his own moment in time with Cyprus’ accession to the EU and the Annan plan, we found ourselves once again on the eve of presidential elections. AKEL knew that the Cyprus problem had reached its most historic crossroads. Yet it chose power (from which it had abstained for a decade), supporting Tassos Papadopoulos. A man with whom, up to that moment, it had been miles apart, especially regarding their philosophy on resolving the Cyprus problem. A fact that was confirmed in the process.
– Christofias’ term of office (2008-2013) was marked by the economic crisis, the climax of which touched again the next presidential election. And the result? Any decisions regarding the EU’s support plan which implied a memorandum were left to those that would come next. Precious time was lost at the altar of not taking on the political cost.
What is the point of all this? We are in a period where the global political scene is being reshaped and we… are once again in an election period. We may soon find ourselves facing critical dilemmas. Who will take the necessary decisions? A President who seems to be simply waiting patiently for his retirement, or a bunch of candidates who first count their votes and then their responsibility to a country that has learned to hold elections but never serious politics…
Source: THE “CURSE” OF ELECTIONS
