THE MUSHROOMING crisis in the Jamaica Labour Party is raising once again questions about the capacity of the opposition party to resolve internal conflict. The issue this time, however, raises other questions of concern beyond the personnel and status within the political organisation. We refer to the matter of how the parties are funded to deal not only with routine administration but most importantly their very raison d'être organising and conducting election campaigns.So far as we are aware there has hardly, if ever, been any public acknowledgement of the anonymous donors who support political parties. Apart from a measure of constituency allowances or subventions from the public purse the state does not support political parties. In fact the parties as such are not even acknowledged in the Constitution.
Thus the source of funding of these organisations so vital to the political system has never been publicly acknowledged. Mr Seaga's allegations have brought the matter to public attention and at a time when it is generally conceded that drug trafficking and money laundering are major elements of public concern.
Thus, charges and counter charges aside, a central dilemma is how to prevent 'tainted' money from so overwhelming the political voting process, in national or party elections. This is a danger not just for the JLP but for all political parties in Jamaica and if not nipped in the bud could have serious consequences for Jamaican democracy in the not too distant future.
We share this central concern and urge that it be examined carefully and calmly despite the emotional fireworks surrounding the particular circumstances now unfolding before the public, seen by many as just another JLP internal struggle or a case of sour grapes. If it is much more than that perhaps public funding for political campaigns and/or legislation demanding full disclosure of and a limit on political contributions is the answer.
THE OPINIONS ON THIS PAGE, EXCEPT FOR THE ABOVE, DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE GLEANER.
