Let the baby kissing begin

Dennie Quill, Columnist

THERE IS every indication that the upcoming election will be peaceful. An election is one of the blessings of a democratic society and we should guard it well. This optimistic view is informed by the sounds I hear emanating from party supporters in various traditional hot spots across the country where violence could be expected to spark.

At last our people seem to be getting it - friendships and family tradition trump party politics. After all, why should a once-in-five-year event turn friends and communities against each other? They also understand that it is pointless killing or maiming someone who is of a different political persuasion because, in the end, no one wins. Even though party flags are seen fluttering in the breeze in certain communities, we note a new era of tolerance in various areas where hostility once existed. This is a welcome sign of maturity.

If we are serious about peaceful elections there are a number of vital ingredients. First, the political leadership must set the trend and create an environment that encourages dialogue instead of disputes. They must appeal for peace while engaging with their opposite number to express their vision for Jamaica. Hopefully, we will see fewer malicious speeches and less provocative campaign material. Let's do away with the attack ads and let's be less combative.

The security forces have a huge role to play in maintaining the peace. Then citizens and civil society must also do their part by ensuring that they remain calm throughout this period and turn their faces from violence and those who would promote acts of intimidation.

The consequences of election violence spread far beyond our shores in faraway places where negative perceptions about our country abound. For example, the fact that crime has been trending down is not the type of headlines one expects to see in the British or American press. We know crime is way too high but we have seen great efforts by the police to collar their criminal members and to try and solve crime. They are to be applauded.

So far, I have not heard any of the politicians explain what they intend to do to take Jamaica out of the economic mess in which we find ourselves. The country is in hock to the International Monetary Fund and the economic crisis is causing great anxiety among citizens. Who next will lose his job? Will they be able to pay their bills or school their children? These are burning questions on too many lips. Any party seeking to form the next government is obliged to convince the electorate that they have a well-thought-out plan to deliver the country out of economic purgatory.

Tough questions

I submit that in the ensuing national debates in the run-up to the elections, tough answers must be asked of the potential leaders because somehow we must bring Jamaica back on the moral and economic leadership path.

Notwithstanding the huge crowds that flock political rallies, there is a significant block of voters who have logged on to the I-could-care-less Party. Sadly, these supporters do not see their allegiance through to the ballot box. Tired of politicians and their unfulfilled promises, these persons have no plans to vote. What, therefore, can be done to convince those filled with apathy to cast their vote?

Politicians come and go but Jamaica will remain. We must ensure that we protect our democracy so that successive generations may have a good life. So let the baby kissing begin and, hopefully, the electorate will take a critical look at the candidates - from the inexperienced and wide-eyed hopeful to the seasoned campaigners, and vote for the most competent and capable to govern our country.

Dennie Quill is a veteran media practitioner. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and denniequill@hotmail.com.