REGARDLESS OF who is successful in the race for the Presidency of the People's National Party today, there can be no doubt that the long, vigorous and open campaign for leadership of the party marks a new chapter in the political process in Jamaica. In this regard, the fight for party leadership in Jamaica mirrors a long-established tradition in many parts of the world which includes a series of debates among the candidates. In one such debate in the United States, a Republican candidate accused a Republican President running for re-election of practising 'voodoo economics', but after the cut and thrust of
the debate, Democrats and Republicans unreservedly rallied behind their new leader.
It is a pity that no such open debates were able to be scheduled in Jamaica and it remains to be seen if the PNP will emerge a united party behind whoever wins the race. There have been signs of cracks among the party faithful and members of the campaign teams, so much so that Mr. Robert Pickersgill, party chairman, has announced strict rules and voting procedures for delegates to prevent any hint of fraud or intimidation. Restrictions even include the surrendering of cellphones and limiting the number of monitors of the voting process to four persons. Care is apparently being taken to see that there are watchers to watch the watchers.
Perhaps lessons learned from the Jamaica College exercise can be adopted and put in place for the next general election. If so, this would be a continuing safeguard for the democratic process in which 'one person, one vote' is a vital component.
The campaign for the PNP leadership race has generated a great deal of interest among the public, not least because even though the delegates and not the population at large will be voting, everyone knows that whoever wins the leadership race is likely to be the next Prime Minister of Jamaica. Whether this is a good thing is a matter for future debate. What is important now in the life of the nation is that the conduct of the leadership race be responsible, peaceful and honest. On this basis, may the best candidate win!
THE OPINIONS ON THIS PAGE, EXCEPT FOR THE ABOVE, DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE GLEANER.
