Wendel Abel

We are less than two weeks away from general elections and we are all consumed by politics, power, politicians and polls. I thought I would explore the psychology behind all of this.

Why are we so consumed?

Elections are an important process in our lives. They give us that opportunity to exercise our rights and freedom, to choose our leaders and to determine the future and course that our country will take. We should not take this freedom for granted and, despite the many shortcomings, our democracy is something that we should be proud of as a people.

Thoughts on politicians

Most persons who enter politics do so because they have an intention to use their time and talents to make a contribution to our beautiful country. But, there are also selfish motives that influence people's decision to pursue a particular path in life; these motives include the access to power. Power gives individuals control and allows them to influence decisions. Power determines who gets scarce resources, when, where and how.

The tribalised politics

We are politically polarised; this is not unique to Jamaica and most countries worldwide do have a polarised political landscape. Membership to political parties gives people a sense of belonging. We all have a sense of belonging to family, friends and faith and to organisations such as political parties. Membership to political parties allows people with common beliefs to share and express these beliefs. It also provides opportunities for support as members of a common belief system.

The 'Portia factor'

The current Prime Minister is noted for her charismatic style of leadership. Many people gravitate towards her because of the warmth she generates through kissing and hugging people. On a psychological level, these acts represent an acknowledgment and validation of people and these acts make them feel special, valued and important.

She is often referred to as 'Sister P' or 'Mama P' and this reflects the fact that people identify with her as a mother figure. Mothers play a central role in our lives given the fact that many households in this country are headed by a single female. The Prime Minister is clearly capitalising on these attributes in the current election campaign. Care must be taken not to vilify or demonise her as she may be the 'perfect victim' whom the electorate will identify with and therefore give their support.

The 'Golding strategy'

The Leader of the Opposition comes across as a warm but less engaging person when compared to the Prime Minister. He is a strategic leader who leads by consensus. He clearly recognises his leadership style and his strengths and advantages as a leader. One gets the impression that he is focusing on issues and taking a more strategic approach. He appears to be focusing his activities on the ground and at the constituency level.

The psychology of polls

Polls capture the views of a cross section of the community at an instance in time. The polls appear somewhat confusing to some people and this is occurring because there is a large number of people who are uncommitted and disenchanted.

Many persons are saying that one party has been in power for too long and they aretired of the corruption while others are saying that the other party is desperate and lacking in new ideas. There is a high level of ambivalence towards both parties and the pundits are nervous that we may end up with a 30/30 tie.

Preparing for failure and victory

It would appear that both political parties are burrowing in the ground and waging their final battle in the trenches. It is on the ground that the final battle will be waged and won.

In an election, there is a winner and a loser. Failure is painful. The thought or prospects of failure generate a lot of anxiety. People are beginning to prepare themselves for failure by using defence mechanisms. Defence mechanisms are unconscious processes that we use to reduce pain and anxiety; these include rationalisation, blaming others and denying the reality, just to name a few.

Jamaica Labour Party leader Bruce Golding rings the symbolic bell. - Roger Robinson/Freelance Photographer

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller sounds the trumpet. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer