Delroy Chuck EVEN THOUGH the election date has not been announced, the campaign for the 14th General Election is in full swing. Everything points to an early date in October, when the electorate will cast their votes to choose the next government. With everyone simply waiting for the Election Date, a prolonged campaign is not in the interest of anyone, and certainly not in the best interest of the country. The Prime Minister would be well advised therefore to fly the gate, soon, and face the verdict of the people.
Jamaica demands and deserves a free, fair and peaceful election, and everyone has a duty to ensure it gets one. If Jamaica is to truly join the league of free and democratic countries, it is altogether right that it should enjoy the benefit of free, open and transparent elections. Jamaica deserves no less. Every citizen should feel and be free to support and cast a vote for the candidate and party of his or her choice. In many communities, this would be a giant step forward. People are simply not used to voting, especially in garrison areas of urban centres, even though the record shows a full turnout of voters in previous elections.
How any Member of Parliament can feel comfortable, sitting in Parliament, knowing full well that his or her election was clouded with corruption, fraud and malpractice is really a stain and shame on our democratic process and on those who are so elected to Parliament. In truth, corruption of the electoral process forms the genesis to a corrupt political process and is at the root of the corruption in government. When a government is elected corruptly, then how can anyone expect it to act differently? The country therefore needs to be on its guard and to discharge the heavy burden of making the next elections free of corruption, fraud and violence.
The Electoral Office is working assiduously to prepare for the forthcoming elections. The Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Professor Errol Miller, has definitely set the right tone by having seminars and speaking to the prospective candidates of what to expect if there is any malpractice or attempt to corrupt the electoral process. And, from all angles, even though the system of electronic verification is not yet available, the Electoral Office seems well prepared to ensure a General Election of which all Jamaicans can be proud. But, the Electoral Office cannot do it alone.
To be sure, every candidate in the upcoming elections has a duty to work towards and be committed to a fair and peaceful contest. It is a fact that many incidents, violent and corrupt, are not supported or sanctioned by the candidates or their party machinery. But, candidates and their parties can set the tone and make it absolutely clear on what principles and practices they intend to abide, and anyone who breaches them should be discarded and, if warranted, feel the brunt of the criminal law. Jamaica expects no less from those who seek to represent the people and who may be a part of the government of the country.
The Code of Political Conduct to which candidates will affix their signatures provides the right principles and prescriptions for a free, fair and peaceful election, but how many candidates have read and understand it? I think the Political Ombudsman and his staff, perhaps the Electoral Office also, should demand or at least take the opportunity to speak and interact with each candidate, his campaign team and Constituency Committee. The message and demand of the Code of Political Conduct, and the sanctions for breaches of the electoral laws need to sink into the minds and conscience of everyone participating in the next electoral process.
Then, what constitutes a fair election? Only the people of Jamaica can so decide, as to each man there is a different set of values and standards. Are the people of Jamaica satisfied with the mudslinging, character assassination and negative campaigning of the candidates and the parties? Have the media and journalists played an evenhanded and balanced role in their presentation and commentary? Have the members of the security forces kept out of the partisan wrangling or engage in practices favouring one party over the other? Is it right for the Prime Minister of St. Vincent, Ralph Gonsalves, to enter the political fray and speak on a party political platform?
Who is Ralph Gonsalves, anyway? Ralph, I knew as a colleague UWI lecturer, was an avid preacher of communism, expelled by Prime Minister Tom Adams of Barbados, and is presently heavily criticised for his relationship with Libya's strong-arm dictator, Gaddafi. In fact, various Heads of State and government seem intent on giving support to our beleaguered Prime Minister, in one form or another. Just imagine the frenzy, condemnations and political rage if the JLP invited a Head of government from anywhere to speak on its platform? Still, the people of Jamaica are the final arbiters of fairness and they must decide.
Most importantly, this election should be violence-free. Jamaica cannot afford another orgy of violence, especially one associated with an election campaign. The world would, and should, condemn us if we fail to meet the values and standards of a free and democratic society, in which every citizen can cast a vote without intimidation, fear or violence. Every Jamaican has a duty to secure a just and peaceful society. Do not leave it to the politicians alone, get involved, join CAFFE, or simply watch for those who breach the Code of Political Conduct and report it.
Jamaica deserves a just and peaceful society. There is no better time to start than now. Without peace and justice, we have no hope of prosperity and a better quality of life. Each of us, deep in our heart and conscience, faithful to a better future, must resolve and be committed to a Jamaica of which we can be proud. A free, fair and peaceful election is not beyond us, but it can only happen if, together, we work steadfastly and ensure that Jamaica, land we love, is the true winner in the next General Election.
Delroy Chuck is an attorney-at-law and Opposition Member of Parliament. He can be contacted by e-mail at delchuck@hotmail.com.
