SXMElections.com

Some have expressed surprise after reading in Thursday's paper that civil servants who are candidates in the August 29 parliamentary elections will be granted extraordinary leave of absence. The arrangement is for a maximum of three months, with full pay during the first and partial pay during the remaining two months. However, as was acknowledged by Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams, with just four weeks until citizens go to the polls it will boil down in most cases to a month off with 100 per cent salary. An argument could be made that this is not fair to those appearing on political lists who don't work for government. After all, they will have less free time to campaign unless at their own expense in terms of vacation days, leave without pay, etc. Then again, something had to be done to address the large number of public sector employees who have decided to try to get elected on this occasion, some of them in high-ranking positions. That is perfectly legal, as everyone has passive voting rights regardless of their function, but it can create very uncomfortable situations especially when they represent a party that is not in the current government. Moreover, a few of the persons involved had started calling in sick already, while others inquired about going on holiday. A general provision thus understandably was considered a better and more just alternative. Still, the question arises whether this does not stimulate civil servants' going into politics too much. In the past there had been complaints that a relatively large number of legislators and administrators are "career officials," as a result of which there is a lack of the kind of common sense that characterises the business community when it comes to running the country. It must be said, the latter shouldn't be an issue this year as there is no shortage of private sector candidates. However, the impact of the "political leave" now introduced for those from within the public administration service won't become clear until the next time around.Sarah Wescot-Williams mentioned 2 times