Ilha Brava, the challenge of political polarization and sustainable development
(...) Since democratization, Ilha Brava has been the scene of a political dynamic marked by bipartisanship, with alternation between the MpD and the PAICV. This reality, although common in many democracies, brings with it specific challenges for the island's development, especially when polarization intensifies.
The nature of polarization on Brava is manifested in opposing worldviews, where each party interprets the island's reality in different ways. In opposition, systematic criticism of the government's actions is common, while in power, there is a tendency to minimize problems and emphasize progress.
This dynamic, added to the small size of the island and the strong personal and family ties, intensifies polarization, turning political disputes into personal issues.
The impacts of this polarization are diverse and damaging. Political uncertainty drives away investment and hinders the implementation of long-term projects, impacting economic development. Public services, such as health and education, can be affected by the prioritization of political advantage over the well-being of the population. In addition, the lack of opportunities and the climate of instability encourage emigration, exacerbating the depopulation of the island.
To overcome these challenges, it is crucial to strengthen civil society, encouraging the participation of emigrants, non-governmental organizations and promoting dialogue between different sectors. Transparency in public management and the responsibility of political leaders are fundamental, as is political education to enable citizens to actively participate in political life. The adoption of effective long-term development plans, with the collaboration of the local population, is essential to ensure the continuity of important projects, regardless of political changes. In addition, the analysis of data and reports, such as the Brava City Council's social diagnosis and local and national media coverage, provides valuable information to guide public policy and identify priority areas.
Brava Island, with its natural beauty and welcoming people, has great potential for development. However, for this potential to be realized, it is essential that local politics be guided by dialogue, cooperation and a commitment to the common good. Constant alternation in power, although healthy and democratic, can lead to the discontinuation of important projects, as each party tends to prioritize its own initiatives. This lack of long-term vision is detrimental to the island's sustainable development. Political polarization can generate a climate of mistrust and division in society, hindering cooperation between different sectors and preventing the construction of a common project for Isla Brava.
In some cases, political disputes can lead to the prioritization of personal interests or those of specific groups, to the detriment of the common good of the island. It is essential that the political parties on Ilha Brava seek dialogue and build consensus around priority issues for the island's development.
It is necessary for the political parties to adopt a long-term vision for Ilha Brava, prioritizing projects that benefit everyone, regardless of their party preferences. It is important to strengthen citizen participation in the island's political life, encouraging public debate and monitoring the actions of those in power. It is essential that Ilha Brava's political leaders prioritize the island's development, seeking solutions to the challenges they face, such as the lack of infrastructure, isolation, unemployment and emigration.
The transition to democracy in Cape Verde brought with it the formation of two dominant parties, MpD and PAICV, which consolidated themselves as the main political forces on Ilha Brava. This consolidation has generated a two-party system which, while promoting alternation of power, can also lead to rigidity in political positions. Party loyalty, often rooted in family and community traditions, can obscure critical analysis of public policies.
In opposition, a party's primary function is to monitor and criticize the government in office. However, this criticism can sometimes degenerate into a purely negative discourse, which disregards progress and prevents the search for joint solutions. On the other hand, the party in power tends to defend its achievements, minimizing problems and emphasizing successes. This defensive stance can make it difficult to recognize failures and implement corrective measures.
The political instability generated by polarization can deter investors, both domestic and foreign. Long-term economic development projects can be interrupted or discontinued due to changes in government. The lack of consensus between the parties can prevent the exploitation of economic opportunities, such as sustainable tourism, which could benefit the island as a whole. The politicization of public services, such as health and education, can compromise their quality and efficiency. The distribution of resources and the appointment of officials can be influenced by political rather than technical criteria. The lack of continuity in public policies can jeopardize the planning and execution of projects that are essential for the well-being of the population.
The lack of economic opportunities and the climate of political uncertainty encourage emigration, especially among young people. The depopulation of the island poses a significant challenge to its future development, with the loss of human capital and a shrinking workforce. Emigration also affects the island's social and cultural cohesion, with the breakdown of family and community ties. The active participation of non-governmental organizations and community associations is fundamental to the island's development. These organizations can act as agents of oversight and pressure, demanding transparency and accountability from political leaders. Dialogue between different sectors of society can help identify common priorities and build a shared development project.
Transparency in public management is essential to combat corruption and ensure the efficient use of public resources. The implementation of control and oversight mechanisms, such as audits and ombudsmen, can increase the accountability of political leaders. A culture of accountability should be encouraged, with regular disclosure of information about government actions and the use of public resources. Political education is key to empowering citizens to make informed decisions and actively participate in political life. The debate of ideas and respect for different opinions should be encouraged in schools and in society in general. Political education can help to form critical and engaged citizens, capable of defending their rights and duties.
Drafting long-term development plans, with the participation of the local population, is essential to ensure the continuity of important projects. These plans must be based on data and evidence, and must consider the needs and aspirations of the community. Implementing a monitoring and evaluation system can help ensure that projects are carried out efficiently and effectively. It is extremely important to consult reliable data and reports, so that the population has a global and unbiased view of the island's situation. Social diagnoses and reports from experienced media outlets are essential for forming an opinion.
In short, Ilha Brava faces the challenge of overcoming political polarization in order to achieve sustainable development. This requires a commitment to dialogue, cooperation and the common good, prioritizing the island's development above partisan interests.
