Protecting the integrity of the ballot

Published in the Jamaica Gleaner: Friday | August 31, 2007

Heather Robinson

We are only two days away from the general election on Monday. There are many who will be wondering how this day will begin and end. Others are contemplating how peaceful the 10 hours will be and whether there will be any activities that will take place in these two days that will result in voters being afraid to vote.

One of the lasting legacies of retired Prime Minister P.J. Patterson is the peaceful elections that we have grown accustomed to since 1993. We had them in 1997 and 2002. Those of us who were adults in 1980 remember well what happened during the long election campaign and on election day, October 30. We remember the many funerals and the families that were left to mourn the murder of their loved ones.

Memories of 1980

On thing is certain about 1980. Those who have memories have no desire or intention of returning to that type of politics. We do not need to be dodging bullets, afraid to sleep in our own beds or indeed, be unable to return to our permanent jobs within the civil service.

The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) was out of office for eight years when it was elected to form the government in 1980. This time, they have been out of office for 18 years, so one does not have to think very hard to understand how much and how desperate they are for power.

Desperation does many things to human beings. Some argue. Some quarrel. And some use violence as a means of trying to coerce support or indeed, to neutralise the opponent. Violencetakes many forms. Forced evictions and other acts of intimidation are common tools. But the ultimate act is causing serious bodily injury, which can be a mortal or a fatal blow, enforced usually with a gun.

Some might ask to what end would any political party be interested in such acts when the Electoral Commission of Jamaica has made it clear the conditions under which the Constituted Authority will be able to void the election in a constituency. But how far can one go without crossing that line and still have the election remain valid?

Some of the older residents of Spanish Town remember names like, 'Milo', 'Dickie', 'Mercaman', 'Satta John' and 'Cliffie'. These enforcers formed part of the political elite that ensured many electoral victories. But who will become the inheritors of this tragic legacy?

Be vigilant

It is said that it is difficult to teach an old dog new tricks, and also, that old broom knows the corner. If one is accustomed to doing things in a particular way, that has yielded positive - no winning - results, why should one change at this time? We must be vigilant on election day as we watch to see if desperate people will indeed do desperate things. Much money has been spent on trying to remake the image of the JLP leader, and even more time has been spent on trying to erase his past.

A careful and sustained look into the eyes of this person is very revealing. Look long. Look hard. Try and determine if this is the person on whom we can rely.

On Monday, September 3, we must do everything to protect the integrity of the ballot, and P.J. Patterson's excellent legacy.

Heather Robinson is a life underwriter and former Member of Parliament.