THE FLARE-UP of violence in Mitchell Town, Clarendon, is the second obviously political clash in the current election campaign. The first arose from the recent fuss over party flags in Spanish Town and was the more serious since three persons were shot dead.
The altercation in Mitchell Town on Wednesday apparently resulted from a PNP motorcade passing through the town and involved the throwing of stones and bottles and damage to property and injury to some people.
There are conflicting reports about what sparked the Mitchell Town fracas. Some versions point to provocative graffiti which caused anger; then the confrontation escalated with the passage of the motorcade.
The Political Ombudsman has become involved in trying to sort out the situation. So much so that the initial hitch in signing on to the Political Code of Conduct was eventually resolved.
Political motorcades are notorious for reckless behaviour. Party supporters on the move are expected to show exuberance but this sometimes gets out of hand. A motorcade can also be target for missiles especially when passing through "enemy territory."
Only last week we cited the dangerous driving by motorcades leaving political rallies. They violate the traffic regulations with impunity; and the more rabid supporters have been known to smash and loot shops, as happened with a supermarket in Port Maria last March.
The events in Clarendon suggest that more positive preventive steps must be taken with the campaign now reaching a climax. It is important to nip in the bud any incipient violence which may escalate beyond control and dash the consensus that this should be a peaceful election.
The Political Ombudsman, even with a staff of 18 policemen, could be overwhelmed by too many disputes to pacify. The onus therefore should rest with the leaders of the parties not only at the top but at constituency levels where there is closer touch with the rank and file.
Senior party personnel must work at keeping the peace even while striving for victory at the polls. We urge them to add to their platform rhetoric a special plea for peaceful behaviour. If there is political warfare everybody loses.
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