BAROOTES: The Liberal leadership race... they call this robust and competitive?

Erika Barootes is Head of the Applied Politics and Public Affairs Program at MaKami College and one of Alberta’s Senators-ElectThe Liberal Party of Canada's upcoming leadership race is shaping up to be an absolute dumpster fire, with questionable due diligence and a rushed timeline that puts party interests ahead of the nation's well-being. The party's decision to maintain free membership and lax verification processes raises serious concerns about the integrity of the voting process.Unlike the Conservative Party's well-organized 2022 leadership race, which spanned seven months, two nation-wide debates and included robust vetting of candidates and memberships, the Liberals are cramming their contest into a mere two months. This rushed approach not only undermines the democratic process but also leaves little time for meaningful debate on the party's future direction.The Liberal Party's exorbitant $350,000 entrance fee, which appears to be due by January 23, sets the stage for a leadership race that reeks of elitism and cronyism. This astronomical sum, coupled with the breakneck campaign timeline, effectively slams the door on grassroots candidates, while rolling out the red carpet for well-heeled party insiders. The combination of this financial barrier and the compressed schedule not only raises eyebrows but sounds alarm bells about the race's accessibility and fairness. It's a stark reminder that in Liberal circles, deep pockets speak louder than fresh ideas or broad appeal.Perhaps most egregious is Trudeau's decision to prorogue Parliament until March 24, effectively putting his party's interests ahead of the nation's. This move leaves the new leader with a scant three weeks to prepare for a potential general election, hardly enough time to establish themselves or articulate a vision for Canada's future.The party's claim of running a "robust and secure nation-wide process" rings hollow when considering the potential for abuse in their registration system. With no real method to confirm if voters meet the requirements or even reside in Canada, the door is wide open for potential foreign interference and manipulation.As we brace ourselves for the inevitable scandals and missteps that will undoubtedly plague this leadership race, one can't help but wonder if this is simply a rigged contest designed to salvage the Liberal Party's tarnished reputation. The irony is palpable: in their desperate attempt to choose a new leader, the Liberals may well be crowning the ultimate loser – whoever emerges victorious will inherit a party in disarray and a nation weary of Liberal mismanagement.Erika Barootes is Head of the Applied Politics and Public Affairs Program at MaKami College and one of Alberta’s Senators-Elect.

BAROOTES: The Liberal leadership race... they call this robust and competitive?

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