Set term limits for governance
Published:Saturday | October 1, 2011 | 12:00 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
Elected office, in truth, has become inhabited by career politicians whose primary focus is the acquisition of power, often at the expense of the Jamaican people.
This type of careerism has, if anything, proven a constant surrender to the temptation to use both position and power to ingratiate themselves with all the factions useful to securing a permanent incumbency. Under term limits, these relationships will be short-lived, thereby reducing the extent and effect of corruption by government ministers, as evidenced by the numerous scandals that have plagued our political landscape.
Not only will term limitations reduce careerism, but it will also open access to leadership positions, encourage real political competition, and open the doors for more young persons to get involved. Currently, there is virtual paralysis of new ideas in meeting the challenges posed both globally and locally.
In truth, we have nothing to fear from term limits as governance cannot possibly get any worse than it already is.
One familiar argument against term limits may be that we dare not drain the well of its many years of experience lest we be reduced to not just an inexperienced House, but worse still, bad government.
Serious service
Some may even argue that there will not be enough time for parliamentarians to master the intricacies of government and their role in order to meet the challenges to be faced. However, it can also be argued that term limits will force our leaders to take a serious look at candidate selection. No longer will voters have to settle for whomever, and members will have to consider some sort of leadership apprenticeship, or risk their party losing not only the contested seat, but the chance at government.
This kind of systematic changing would make serious service possible more quickly than it is now, thus making government more attractive to serious-minded Jamaicans with the country's best interests at heart.
By reducing the number of incumbents running, term limits would increase the number of competitive seats, and thereby, enliven the nation's civic conversation.
Such a change to the Jamaican political landscape would undoubtedly enhance our electoral process and finally give teeth to the meaning of democracy for all Jamaicans.
ANNA-KAY WILLIAMS
Harbour View