Election time is here again!

Greetings,

The General Election is upon us in Jamaica. 

Can you imagine? 

How time flies.

Talking about flying - in great excitement, the gate was flown open, and the participants will be racing down the election course in their resplendent colours. Let there be a good sense of sportsmanship. 

I wonder who will be first past the post, and why?  

Those of us who will be watching, listening, and hopefully will enact our constitutional right and cast a vote in the ballot box, would appreciate the opportunity to feast our eyes on the issues, and realistic policies, which each wishes to present to the voting public.

The Manifesto. Remember this? I believe this matter has been raised in the public space.

Pretty colours, banter, humour, slick oratory, and even a debate has its place. I think it is time though, for the electorate to be better informed in terms of making a decision about the future of their country based on documented facts, policies, and solutions with practical implementation which can be discussed and decided on, rather than reliance on quick fixes, euphoria, endless talk leading nowhere, and die hard support. Maybe this would help to increase voter turn out. Maybe this would help those on the campaign trail to have a greater sense of purpose, and turn promises into concrete objectives to the satisfaction of the ever observant and sceptical Joe Public.      

Do not underestimate the electorate. They have come a long way through the political maze. They are long past the feel good 'Pork Barrel Politics'. Unfortunately, some are still having great difficulty understanding this reality.  

A political manifesto may not be choice reading for some folk. However, the meat of the matter from both sides, and others who are entering the race, is needed.  The participants should be aware that the 'X' on the ballot sheet to take the winner past the post will hold the next Government accountable to the people of Jamaica.

Wishing Jamaica a successful, and peaceful, General Election Campaign 2016.

Peace

Grace