What really matters during this electoral season

THE EDITOR, Madam:

In the last general election, approximately 37.9 per cent of Jamaica’s eligible voters showed up. That means an elite group of voters enabled the laws, policies and the past five years for the rest of us. If that doesn’t make the reader uneasy, it should.

In a matter of weeks the next general election is due. The level of excitement is hard to ignore as campaigning goes on a high gear – through billboards to home visits, mass media and even satirical commentary from one political candidate to another. However, the real test is the quality of information and policies candidates should be putting forward.

Today’s electorate is no longer swayed strictly by party loyalties but rather the individual benefits that can be gained by favourable socioeconomic policies and conditions. The traditional attention grabbers like road construction and water supply are still critical but it is time to hear more discourse centred around contemporary issues such as security, climate change, foreign affairs, school curriculum reform as well as land policy. Candidates should not shy away from highlighting these issues just because catchy slangs and controversial behaviours gain more attention. Comparatively, the former stands out more to swing and undecided voters that are usually the determinants of a candidate’s success.

Jamaica is no longer in the transitional phase of being independent but a potential contender in the complex global system. We have the natural resources, the people and creativity to be the ‘big deal’. In order to reap the benefits at home, regionally and globally, it is up to the right approach and advocacy by our political leaders. That requires our participation in choosing them.

That choice seems to be long avoided and the voter turnout trends negatively towards the fact that our governments are elected only through a minority turnout. If people refuse to participate, how can they hold their members of parliament accountable? When they do not vote, they give up their voice.

It should be considered very seriously that it matters in an electoral season that exercising political right of voting is top priority. No matter the political party or political candidate. Voter apathy is not only a threat to democracy and the legitimacy of our government but it creates a motivated minority group that will determine people’s next four years.

ALICIA TURNQUEST