EDITORIAL - Free, fair and credible

The dramatic results of the 2011 general election that has seen the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) being scuttled out of power in less than five years merit deep analysis and careful study. The discussions will no doubt include the strength of party loyalties, the levels of turnout, and constitutional organisation.

The bald truth is that none of our pollsters and political commentators predicted this annihilation of the JLP. Of the three major polling organisations in the country, two said it was too close to call, while one predicted a slim People's National Party (PNP) victory.

But as they say, elections are won on the day, and it is obvious that the PNP's machinery was well-oiled and battle-ready, doing what was necessary to pull off a stunning victory, securing 41 seats to the JLP's 22.

Reports from the field indicate some problems associated with the electronic voter identification system which led to long lines and delays at some polling venues. The wait caused frustration for some electors, although the glitches were eventually fixed. Overall, the election was generally peaceful, barring a few isolated incidents. The observer mission of the Organisation of American States (OAS) is expected to certify the elections as being free, fair and credible.

Electoral reforms

Jamaicans can be proud of the reforms that have taken place in our electoral system. We have been able to remedy faults of the system such as voter intimidation, electoral fraud and bribery, while the term 'bogus voting' is rapidly being erased from our vocabulary. This is no mean achievement and a welcome development that we have been able to achieve transparency, accountability and accuracy in our electoral administration.

Despite the various mechanisms instituted to conduct elections that are free, fair and credible, only a shade over 52 per cent of the electorate bothered to participate in the process. By their abstention, these voters are also making a statement. Voter apathy makes the democratic electoral connection weak. In the best interest of the social, political and economic good of our country, Jamaica's politicians must commit to rebuilding trust and faith in our democracy. Indeed, much more needs to be done to explain the impact and consequences of electoral reform for political representation.

Kudos to the Electoral Office of Jamaica for the efficiency it displayed during the conduct of Thursday's election and the swiftness with which the results streamed in. Recent history suggests that this performance is better than that produced by administrations in some developed countries. Who can forget the bewildering variety of process failures in the 2000 presidential election in the United States and the fiasco clouding Florida's vote?

So a new political chapter has been written. Prime Minister-designate Portia Simpson Miller and her team must now demonstrate that they are worthy of the confidence of the people of Jamaica.