D.K. Duncan
THE CAMPAIGN for the leadership of the Peoples National Party (PNP) began on a relatively high plane. Omar Davies' soft launch in early December, 2004 was the first formal announcement. Prior to this Portia Simpson Miller used the occasion of a Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) function to adumbrate her vision for Jamaica. Extensively reported in the media, it was interpreted as a pre-launch salvo.
Peter Phillips, earlier on this year, used the occasion of a constituency function to formally announce his presidential bid including an outline of his vision as well as some policy imperatives. Paul Burke's continuing concern for the state of the party led to his well documented "campaign for transformation". His campaign for leadership, however, seems to have morphed into the present vice-presidential bid.
Both Karl Blythe and Robert Pickersgill have yet to issue policy statements although they have indicated their intention to contest for the presidency.
HIGHER LEVEL
Up to the time of the special conference on January 23 this high level of the conduct of the campaign continued to be in evidence. Omar Davies again set the tone for the campaigns with the preparation and dissemination of promotional material of the highest standard at the conference. These include a substantial document detailing why he has offered himself for the presidency of the PNP.
From all reports Omar's vision and policy document was well received. Most observers were agreed that it lifted the leadership campaign to another level. Bearing in mind that the next leader of the PNP automatically becomes the next Prime Minister of Jamaica, it is in the interest of the country that this level is sustained.
No doubt the other campaigns will bring their own creative initiatives to bear on the campaign. The accent on facts, policy issues and a vision that can be shared and realised should be encouraged. Civil society in general and the media in particular can play a significant role in ensuring the highest standards of discourse as well as the full articulation of the issues concerning the party, the government and the nation.
THE JLP
By the time of the JLP's conference on February 19, 2005 the country should be hearing details from the new leader Bruce Golding as to the party's agenda and its role as an alternative Government. The rebuilding process of the JLP alongside the leadership transition process of the PNP can provide a climate for constructive debate on issues of substance.
On the other hand, any retreat into acrimonious internal party rivalry could derail either the PNP or the JLP as well the country. The same goes for any departure from high standards of conduct by the major parties as they prepare for the next general election campaign.
VP ELECTIONS
The vice-presidential elections in the PNP have heightened the potential for retreat into acrimony. Based on the nature of the voting procedures for vice presidents in that party, it is inevitable that many discussions will take place in the process of canvassing support. These should be seen in their proper perspective, however emotional the discussions become.
It does not take a pending presidential election to provide heat for a vice presidential race. A major concern should be the integrity of the voters lists as well as a democratic electoral process. This is more relevant to the presidential election since the present list is already agreed on for Saturday's voting.
Paul Burke's belated entry into Saturday's elections could be used to test all five contenders on their commitment to transformation of the party. After all, the responsibility of vice presidents is primarily in the area of party building. All sitting vice presidents gave written reports to the conference. Were the delegates satisfied with their work? Is the new contender better able to respond to new demands? Will the PNP rise to the occasion on Saturday and keep the presidential race on a higher plane?
One Love, One heart.
A dental surgeon Dr. D.K. Duncan is a former Cabinet Minister and General Secretary in the PNP administration of the 1970s.
