GET ME OFF THE FENCE - More concrete solutions, less rhetoric, please

Leighton A. Williams is 31 years old and an information technology and business consultant. He believes our voting process is transparent and in keeping with the philosophy 'free and fair and free from fear'. Still, he didn't seek to be added to the voters' list. One of his pet peeves is the action - or inaction - of those elected to serve.

I WILL begin by saying the use of modern-day voting techniques has made the voting processes much more efficient, accurate, secure and less susceptible to corruption. People are no longer free to stuff ballot boxes as they would in years past. Sure, no system can be entirely foolproof, but I am encouraged by the fact that strides are being made in ensuring a better voting process.

Critical thinking and analysis have always influenced my decisions as it regards choosing a political party for which to vote. I base my judgement on the facts and not background or history with regard to politics. It can never be that because this party seems to have had a longer run in leadership that this is the party for which I would vote. Also, I'm not one to give a party a 'buss' just because it has been in the political wilderness for what may seem way too long. Likewise, I will not vote for a party just because it has enjoyed the support of friends and family.

Unreliable politicians

I believe politicians need to establish carefully thought out, workable mandates which they need to execute effectively, and within a reasonable course of time. Too often, we see politicians on the campaign trail presenting mandates that promise a stress-free life to the populace with absolutely no strategy as to how this will be implemented. And after the election, when they are firmly seated in Gordon House, they forget all the promises they made to the man on the street just to secure votes.

From the level of local government, representational politics needs addressing. In a word, servitude!

These individuals ought to remember that it is their responsibility to represent the constituency and support the constituents through active representation - ongoing community development, road works, security, peace initiatives, etc. They should maintain an active presence in the constituencies rather than be seen only when it is near to elections. And as such, members of parliament should be held accountable for their actions and inaction. The saying "we are affected by what we do and what we don't do" will always hold true - in my opinion.

That being said, if I were to vote, it would have to be for someone who engages in performance-based politics; one who has a track record which speaks for itself.