The Self-Liquidating Junta

“Is it just luck that this Junta is of better quality than previous Juntas?” The senior officer to whom I put the question was visibly pleased by the tacit recognition of his boss’s talents. “Well, we are learning by experience, which is reflected in the fact that this Junta acts as an institution and not as a power base for one of its members. The president is its spokesman; the cult of personality is proscribed. To prove they mean it the three members will resign in March 1979.”

First, they will select their own successors in consultation with senior officers from each service and others outside the military. A nice act of good faith and credibility, and no one seems to doubt that in fact they will quit. Meanwhile, the press is free to complain, and due process is maintained most of the time, though political activity continues to be outlawed.

EG

About the Author

Evan G. Galbraith

Featured Tags

“Is it just luck that this Junta is of better quality than previous Juntas?” The senior officer to whom I put the question was visibly pleased by the tacit recognition of his boss’s talents. “Well, we are learning by experience, which is reflected in the fact that this Junta acts as an institution and not as a power base for one of its members. The president is its spokesman; the cult of personality is proscribed. To prove they mean it the three members will resign in March 1979.”

First, they will select their own successors in consultation with senior officers from each service and others outside the military. A nice act of good faith and credibility, and no one seems to doubt that in fact they will quit. Meanwhile, the press is free to complain, and due process is maintained most of the time, though political activity continues to be outlawed.