Is Jamaica one big voting machine?

THE EDITOR, Sir:

It is disheartening to think it, but Jamaica appears to be viewed mainly as one big voting machine by the major political parties.

Announcing or seeing ballots being cast seems to be the premier thing on the lips of politicians and political wannabes. They are always seeking a way to be in power and will go to any lengths possible to be on a ballot. Such desperation should be frowned on and rejected forthwith by the voters.

Election Time

Whenever it's election time, tens of millions of dollars are found almost immediately, although Government constantly sing that they are strapped for cash. Election-day workers are well paid. How can that be?

It is full time for new legislation to be passed so that elections can be less frequent. Local government elections should be merged with general elections to conserve resources and lessen the time spent campaigning and from productive work.

It cannot be fair or acceptable for the limited resources to be squeezed out ever so often and poured lavishly into getting people's vote, yet civil servants cannot get a decent wage.

JOSEPH EDWARDS