Interesting times ahead for elections in Jamaica

For the first time in Jamaica’s political history has it been so exciting. Why? Because this time there will be lots of surprises as the polls indicate that it will be a tight race to Jamaica House. Each party leader is filled with confidence that you almost believe the both of them that they will both win.

What I have found particularly interesting, are the views of the electorate on the various talk shows. For too long they have been underestimated. It is generally felt in some circles that the mass of the population really doesn’t understand the affairs of their country. We are now seeing a more informed electorate who are up to date and on the ball with pertinent information. It is time that we look past this so called impediment of speaking in the vernacular as if it is an indication of intelligence. I hear humble people calling in daily to give their view on their candidate and they do so with great clarity. I also hear people calling in to say that they are not buying everything they are hearing from BOTH parties. They read the manifestos and voice their agreement or lack thereof, with their contents. This is what makes the election exciting.

Another thing that makes this election very exciting is that of the so called “code of conduct” and the EOJ’s position on the expected behaviour and the penalties for violating same. I am breaking this down into layman lingua so forgive me for not quoting from the constitution. The EOJ is now showing how much teeth the organisation has and “BIG TEET” indeed they have!

 As it stands now, 3 constituencies have been warned that if the violence and aggressiveness persists, their constituency will not be able to participate on election day and therefore this would hold up the entire results. Portia and Bruce stand to lose some sleep over this.

The awards for rowdy behaviour  and possible suspension goes to:

1. Rosemarie Shaw and James Robertson of the St. Thomas Western constituency

2. Franklin Witter and Norman Horne of the South East St. Elizabeth constituency

3. Andrew Holness and Patrick Roberts of the West Central St. Andrew constituency

 The honorary award for the  suspension of all political activities, meetings, campaigning prior to elections,  goes to:

Miss Sally Porteous and Mr. Peter Bunting of Central Manchester

http://jamaicaobserver.com/news/html/20070816T010000-0500_126340_OBS_BANNED_.asp

Let us give them a round of applause. Why do I feel that more candidates will be warned between now and August 27th, leading to a suspension of the general election itself? If you want me to vote for any of you, you have to lead by example and behave yourselves! I hope the rest of Jamaica shares my sentiments!