Delroy ChuckTHE TRIUMPH of freedom and democracy across the world has been the most notable feature of the past decade. Still, a handful of nations Cuba, North Korea, etc., continue to resist the inevitable tide of history, oppress and restrict the rights, freedoms and happiness of their people, and refuse to allow a democratic government to emerge.
In Jamaica, we struggle to give meaning to the democratic process and to convince our people that democracy is undoubtedly the best form of government. At present, in North East St. Ann, the country is engaged in a by-election that provides a major test to our electoral process and is certainly testing the resolve, strength and organisation of the major political parties. This by-election may not be as important as a general election but it is certainly taking on the tone and weight of a general election as its outcome could easily determine the timing of the next one.
Interestingly, how well this election is conducted will also demonstrate if our Electoral Office has learnt anything over the years and whether we can have any faith in its ability to conduct free and fair elections. Only recently, the Electoral Office had a major demonstration by three companies of fingerprint identification of voters that would ensure a free and fair election and avoid the pitfalls, fraud and corruption that plague our electoral process. To date, we have not had the expert reports on whether this system can work and how much more refining or improvement is desirable before it is adapted. However, even though all the companies failed to identify my fingerprints, I was impressed with the demonstration as it offers a process that could ensure one man, one vote and avoid multiple voting and other related electoral malpractices. It is such a pity that the system could not be tested in this by-election but I have no doubt there will be other opportunities. The present challenge to the Electoral Office is to make the present system work and convince Jamaicans that, in spite of the absence of technology, it can still conduct a safe, free and fair election.
The most important challenge, however, is to the democratic process and the stiff competition between the three political parties. To be sure, the PNP has the most to lose and if it fails to retain the seat then it would be the beginning of the end for the Patterson Administration. This constituency is normally a safe seat for the ruling party and they should have had no difficulty retaining it. Yet, locally and nationally, the PNP has been an abysmal failure and its diehard supporters can no longer be relied on to bring it victory, as they are disenchanted and disgruntled.
The challenge of the JLP and the NDM is certainly to convince the voters that the neglect and underdevelopment of the constituency are merely symptoms of poor PNP governance or failure of the system of governance. The JLP is determined to show that it is ready for government and hopes to emerge the winner in this keen contest.
For the NDM, the main thrust of its campaign is that the JLP and PNP have failed and only a change of the system of governance can bring success. The failure of the JLP and NDM to capture a significant per cent of the votes in this election would be a major setback for the JLP and curtains for the NDM.
Most importantly, however, the challenge to our democracy becomes evident in N.E. St. Ann. Democracy is about freedom of choice and the duty and responsibility of democratic government to create the economic atmosphere for its citizens to have real choices in the conduct of their lives. It is true that our election process is under threat by those who would seek to win at all costs, but with proper management and supervision, and hopefully technology soon, we should be able to have clean elections. But, freedom and democracy must go beyond occasional elections and offer a form of government that can enrich and improve the quality of life for our people.
To be sure, when this election is over, the business of the country must highlight and discuss an agenda for prosperity, justice and hope for the people.
It cannot be business as usual, for our people need to be convinced that freedom and democracy can bring a new dawn of hope and prospect for a better life and that, properly managed, democracy is in fact the best form of government.
Delroy Chuck is an attorney-at-law and Opposition Member of Parliament. He can be contacted by e-mail at delchuck@hotmail.com.
