The politicking in Bolivia continues as the new parliament fails to get out of deep mud. The Balance and Progress Parliamentary Brigade, founded by the local parties Citizens’ Community (CC) and Movement for Socialism (MAS), have not been able to agree and hold a session since the legislative body was established in August.
1. Parliamentary Brigade Gridlock – No Attendees from CC or MAS
The Parliamentary Brigade gridlock has not seen any attendees from the Citizens’ Coalition (CC) or the Moderation Action Society (MAS). A decision that has left many scratching their heads; although the reasoning for such is still unclear.
Moving through the intersections of politics and policies, the implications of this absence are too wide to be understated. From policy makers to government employees, the lack of input from CC and MAS experts has created a void of both expertise and understanding. This void only makes it harder to come to a consensus when action is needed most.
- Time to Strategize: without the contributions of these prominent members of the political arena, it is difficult to recognize the root of the problem and develop an effective solution.
- Outcomes Await: the individual decisions of mobility and presence need to be praised or addressed for their potential influence on the outcomes of the gridlock.
2. Political Impasse: No Agreement Reached in Joint Parliamentary Session
On Saturday, the joint parliamentary session to resolve the long-standing political impasse ended without producing any agreement. The proposal discussed saw both parties adhering to a basic framework to reach a consensus on several policy issues, but deeming it incomplete they could not come to terms.
Key points leading to the deadlock included:
- Tax reform and its implications on citizens of all classes.
- Fuel subsidy for low-income families.
- The investigation of certain high-profile government officials.
The opposing sides then resorted to arguing the same points repeatedly, making it hard to break the impasse. Discussions went late into the night, but both sides had to agree to disagree in the end. The future of the agreement remains uncertain for the moment, with both parties considering ending the stalemate through alternate methods.
3. No Progress on Difficult Issues without CC and MAS Representation
For many nations, it is difficult to bring balance to multiple opposing sides and to maintain peace if their citizens are unable to communicate with their governments. Without a balanced representation in both the Constituent Council (CC) and the Mainland Affairs System (MAS), many sensitive and largely debated issues have been unable to move forward.
In the past, the CC and MAS have both been responsible for finding solutions to matters concerning civilians and public policy, yet without both parties being present, much of the progress that is desperately needed has been held back. Having all the necessary participants present and taking part in discussions is paramount to the success of any resolution. It is only by working together that new, more effective laws and regulations can be introduced.
- For many nations, communication between people and their government is crucial
- Without balanced representation, progress on sensitive and largely debated issues is hindered
- The CC and MAS must come together to form effective laws and regulations
4. Looking Ahead: How to Resolve Deadlock and Achieve Results
Break Down Scope and Discuss Solutions: To resolve a deadlock and achieve results, success often comes down to breaking down the scope of the discussion, mutually understanding the perspectives of each side and jointly finding solutions to the sticky points. An effective approach is to divide the debate into three smaller pieces, by breaking it down into both the short-term and long-term implications of each point, as well as its impact on all stakeholders. By focusing on each point one-by-one, it makes it easier for each side to find a common ground.
Navigate Your Way Around the Deadlock: The resolution of a deadlock entails more than just arriving at a mutually beneficial solution. The parties should also be prepared to collaboratively set up a framework to achieve the objectives identified, while using their resources and capabilities to the fullest. It could involve creating a plan which grants each party the flexibility to meet their varying needs, while accounting for the inevitable contingencies. Additionally, it is also necessary to establish metrics to measure the progress of the collaboration, as well as determining what action should be taken when the goals are not met.
- Break down the scope of the discussion.
- Understand the perspectives of each side.
- Jointly find solutions to the sticky points.
- Create a plan with flexibility.
- Establish metrics to measure progress.
With the Parliamentary Brigade stagnated by the lack of commitment of the ruling party and the opposition, we are left to hope for a resolution in the near future. If differences can be put aside, the dialogue can continue and the members of the brigade have an opportunity to come back together again to pursue much-needed change in the nation. Until then, all vigils must stay open.
