Struggle of fledgling democracies

Former Philippine President Erap Estrada was a great movie actor. But he never played out “The Final Act” as head of state of the Pearl of the Orient. It was a tough role derailed by thousands who peacefully marched before the stage demanding his replacement.

Twice in Philippine’s history a woman stepped forward to save the country from ruination. Years ago, it was Cory Aquino who replaced the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Last weekend, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ascended as head of state to save both the country and the institution of the presidency.

Let’s hope that the healing process descends quickly in her effort to restore confidence in forging a strong future for our neighboring friends in the Philippines.

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Indonesia continues to be mired in political instability. Despite hope in the leadership of President Wahid, he hasn’t been successful in pacifying separatist groups who wanted independence. Nor has his government been successful in retrieving the largess his predecessor has amassed in the millions of dollars.

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Thailand is also mired in political instability. Interesting that in all three fledgling democracies, there’s the military who plays a key role in the selection of the next head of state. Herein lies the greater problem in the installation of strong democratic institutions that is founded by, of and for the governance.

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As difficult as it may seem to see the strengthening of democratic institutions in these countries, it isn’t an easy task given that it is still a new concept that involves a mixture of powerful religious sects.

For instance, Muslims are found in these countries and aren’t about to let democracy settle permanently unless their sentiments are heard and assimilated into the mainstream.

It’s a tough situation that will take years to resolve as Christians, Confucians, Hindus, Bhuddahs and Muslims move meticulously to protect their turfs.

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On top of all these, I often quiz why the instability. Is it triggered from within or without? If it is from within, then there’s perhaps a shorter time frame before democratic institutions gain strength and stability. Otherwise, it may be due to pecuniary interests of, i.e., powerful countries posturing to control the vast resources of these countries. Perhaps it’s a game of manipulation of the leadership and governance, clandestinely.

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Meanwhile, Vietnam has its own set of problems. But it has started inviting its successful elite in technology to return home for entrepreneurship purposes. This country is the most poised to benefit from the new economy born by Information Technology. Such is the case in view of the hundreds of Vietnamese engineers who are ready to pitch into turning their country into a hi-tech marvel.

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Here at home, we’re aboard a ship that ran out of fuel, drifting merrily at the mercy of huge waves crashing in from all directions. Let us hope we spot land someday soon so we could paddle this heavy boat into the harbor. Not a very encouraging assessment, is it?

Strictly a personal view. John S. DelRosario Jr. is publisher of Saipan Tribune.