Redemptive politics — our invitation

The proverbial election bell rang two weeks ago and the campaigning has begun in the lead up to General Election 2025, a month away.

For another election, the Council for Responsible Political Behaviour offers a profound invitation to the nation—an invitation that resonates with this Sunday’s story of the prodigal son.

Just as the parable speaks to personal transformation and redemption, the Council’s mission calls for a national moment of ethical reflection and moral recalibration.

The parable in Luke 15:11-32 tells of a young son who squanders his inheritance, hits rock bottom, does some soul searching and returns home, hoping for mere mercy. Instead, he receives unexpected grace—a full restoration and celebration.

The Council for Responsible Political Behaviour presents Trinidad and Tobago with an opportunity for political renewal, a chance to return to the highest moral principles that underpin democratic engagement.

Established by a diverse coalition of organisations—including religious institutions, labour unions, chambers of commerce, and civil society groups—the Council embodies a remarkable collaborative spirit.

These founding organisations, ranging from the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches to the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha and the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce, represent a powerful cross-section of national life.

Their united stance suggests that ethical political conduct is not a partisan issue, but a shared national responsibility.

The composition of the Council itself is noteworthy. Its members represent diverse backgrounds—academics, religious leaders, professionals from various sectors—united by a commitment to national well-being.

Moral and democratic renewal

The Code of Ethical Political Conduct, in place since 2014, serves as a comprehensive guide for political parties, candidates, and their supporters. Much like the father in the prodigal son parable who maintains love and hope despite disappointment, this Code provides a pathway for redemption. It does not seek to punish but to restore integrity to the political process.

Crucially, the Council has created an accessible mechanism for public participation. Citizens can report potential violations through WhatsApp or email, transforming every voter into a guardian of democratic integrity.

So, just as the prodigal son’s return impacted his entire family, each citizen’s commitment to ethical political behaviour can transform the national political landscape.

The Council’s weekly reporting promises transparency—a critical element often missing in political discourse. By publicly tracking and addressing potential breaches, they create a culture of accountability that goes beyond mere rules. This is redemptive politics in action: not about perfection, but about continuous improvement and genuine commitment to ethical principles.

The biblical parable reminds us that redemption is always possible, that past mistakes need not define future potential. Similarly, this election monitoring initiative suggests that T&T’s political culture can be transformed through constructive engagement and shared ethical standards.

As Monday, April 28 approaches, citizens are invited to see themselves not as passive observers, but as active participants in a national process of moral and democratic renewal.

The Council’s initiative is an invitation—to political parties, candidates, and voters alike—to embrace a higher standard of political conduct.

It’s a chance to celebrate not division, but shared commitment to integrity, respect, and collective progress.

In a way, the ballot box becomes more than a mechanism for choosing our next parliamentary representatives—it transforms into a sacred space of national recommitment, where each vote carries the potential for redemption, healing — and hope.